Re-Thinking the Christian Worldview

April 04, 2014

The Internet has been spotty at best, so I'll try to recount the last few days. Most of you know, 18 KIVU followers decided to go on a Journey to the Holy Land. The Purpose: To walk the footsteps of Jesus, and learn about what's going on over in Israel. Why is Israel always on the news? Why does there seem to be so much instability? Can any of this be like it was when Jesus was here, or do we just continue to long for Him to come back and fix this mess?

The other day we had a chance to walk up to the Temple Mount Platform where the Dome of the Rock stands in all its golden glory. The place once filled with the Sacrifices of the Jews is now a Holy Place where Muslims believe the Prophet Mohammad Journeyed to Heaven to talk to Allah.

Two thousand years ago this platform was the site of the Holy Temple for the Jews. They used this place to sacrifice animals to God, Pray for the Healing of their Nation, and even walk in the presence of God's Spirit in the Holy of Hollies.

Today, The Al Asqa mosque is one of the largest mosques in the region, and thousands of Muslim families use the area for green space in a city surrounded by concrete.

The KIVU students learned when the Mosque was built, why the Dome was constructed the way it is, and how many people use the facility as a family gathering place. It's quite impressive. But there's an obvious sense of tension.

Just below the Platform is the Western Wall where modern Jews pray to the Western Part of their Temple. Nobody prays together. Nobody shares the space. One site is Holy to One, while Another Group longs for the past to return.

After the Dome, we headed to the Church of the Holy Seplacur. This is the traditional place where Jesus was crucified. Walking through the Via De La Rosa to the crucifixion spot was a good place for students to see the birthplace of the Christian faith. They had a chance to see the traditional resurrection place where Jesus' tomb might have been, and then off to the Garden Tomb where another supposed place might be.

That's the way it is here. Everybody thinks they have the exact spot to the history of religious events. But every time someone says with difinity "This is it," Someone else mutters in the background, "Well....it might be over here."

We rounded the day off with the Holocaust Museum. This is a BEAUTIFUL monument built in memory of the Jews who endured the worst part of history in the 20th century. I can assure you, it was painful. Watching the atrocities committed by Hitler's Nazi army was disturbing at the very least. It's hard to watch one human being able to treat another human the way the Jews were treated, and many conversations emerged from our group.

The purpose of this trip is simple: LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS. How can we build a foundation of religious belief so we can LOVE GOD more than we did yesterday? AND, in the region of the world with the most conflict, How can we LOVE OTHERS here and back home?

I've been telling the students, "It's easy to pick sides in a religious conflict. You identify with your side and you push until you justify your original belief. It's easy to pick sides in a national debate. You put your best arguments up against someone else's, and then you keep strategizing until you come up victorious. It's easy to pick sides theologically. We all do this. We take our theological position we've been taught and then we continue to try and reinforce that position, because after all; the fundamentals behind who we are come from this bedrock of "Right-Ness" thinking.

It's SUPER hard to be able to look at a situation and try to LOVE OTHERS. And by LOVING OTHERS I mean identifying with the people or people group you have conflict with, and figure out what it means to LOVE how God called us to LOVE."

Clearly, the churches in the Holy Land struggle with LOVING OTHERS, and their even from the same religious tapestry. Greek Orthodox vs. Catholic vs. Armenian vs. Protestant and so on; they all have huge conflicts as to who owns the right to the first churches. Christians are fighting Christians over who has the right to the true Jesus.

Obviously, the different religious people groups are in tension. Muslim vs. Jew vs. Christian and so on; all try to snatch up different parts of the Holy Sites as they try to own their version of God on the planet. Each group trying to hold on to their right to the Truth.

There's an ethnic tension, Jews vs. Arabs. The crazy part about this tension is, some of the Arabs are Muslim, some of them Christian, and even some of the Jewish; but the tension between the casual Jews, Orthodox Jews, and Ultra-Orthodox Jews fuels the fire of tension ethnically. Each ethnicity believes it is holding tight to the right of their own identity group.

And then there's the national tension that throws everything off. Jews who believe God granted them the land. Palestinians who believe they settled the land thousands of years ago. The U.N. who granted land rights. Wars that decided new land rights. Peace Processes, Settlements, Refugees; they all muddy the conversation even further.

It's no wonder some of the smartest people on the planet have been struggling to figure out an answer for the people in this region only to see massive failure. This is not as easy as just seeing it the Birthplace of Jesus, the Origin of Christianity, the Holy place of Islam, or the Historical Place of the Jews. The pain that has settled into the hearts of all people continue to create massive mistrust of everyone else.

So our job....

LOVE OTHERS. How can we reach out and LOVE OTHERS? How can we LOVE the Palestinian with no home living in a Refugee Camp? How can we LOVE the Christian who is undergoing persecution from all sides?How can we LOVE the Jew, who lives in a world where historically they are propped up as the victim?How can we LOVE the construction worker who's just trying to make a living?How can we LOVE the religious official in the center of the church?How can we LOVE this kids running down the street?How can we LOVE the parents who are just trying to provide?

The bottom line to this issue was summed up best by an Israeli friend of mine. "Peace isn't going to happen through politics, sociology, psychology, or theology. Peace is going to happen when people begin learning how to listen to other people. Conflict only goes away when we realize we're all human trying to survive the best we know how."

I like that.

With a centerpiece of Jesus message of Loving God and Loving Others (Matthew 22:37-40) we may not be a part of solving anything over here, but we can look deep in our own sphere of influence and see conflict. We can apply the foundations of faith and the scenes of conflict we've experienced here to help us when conflict confronts us all back home.

April 01, 2014

Today was another wonderful day with some of the coolest KIVU folks around. We started the day driving to Jericho, a city that boasts of 10K years of contiguous civilization. How crazy is that? Over 10,000 years!!!

In America, if something is 100 years old we hold a big party. Crazy to think we're walking in places where people wrote of legends.

We stopped at the Mountain of Temptation to see where Jesus was tempted in the Wilderness. The kids rode camels, saw the big barren desert, and continued their journey to walk the footsteps of Jesus.

We went to KUMRAN, the society of the old Essene group responsible for the Dead Sea Scrolls. CRAZY to see those scrolls contained almost 100% of some the Old Testament books like Isaiah.

Then we headed to the Dead Sea. We floated together in the high mineral water, rubbed the black mud all over our bodies, and spent a day relaxing before we drove up to our next stop, Bethlehem.

The birthplace of Jesus is our next adventure. We've chosen to stay in the West Bank to feel the vibrant life of the Arab Culture here. It was pretty eye opening for most of the kids to come down from Galilee to Bethlehem where the hum of the city can rock you to sleep. Horns honking, street vendors selling, and the call to prayer can be heard every so often. Their eyes were wide open as we walked the road to the Church of the Nativity where Jesus was born.

Each step along the journey, our mission is to Love People.

It's easy to love people who look like us or who live inside the same economic strata we do. But when we get down to people who look different or live different, life begins making different demands.

All of the sudden, things we are afraid of begin to surface. Our senses start to act as antennas picking up the slightest fear. But when we walk with our new friends here in Bethlehem, we see most of humanity is functioning just like we are.

Most everyone in the world is longing to live today, eat today, breathe today, and raise their families today. The rhythm they live by has little to do with the scathing of politics or 24 hour news cycles. They just want to survive. Today.

Tomorrow we head in the great city of Jerusalem. The Temple Mount, The Garden Tomb, The Church of the Garden, all await our journey. So as we walk the hustle and bustle of a new place, I'll take good pictures to document our 2014 Holy Land Adventure.

We invited an Israeli to be our tour guide tomorrow, so I'm interested to see how our kids love without exception. And then on Thursday we gear up for Hebron and the burial place of the patriarchs Abraham and Sara.

I can't wait to keep you updated. This trip is going to be one of a lifetime!!

March 31, 2014

After an 11 hour flight from Newark N.J., to Tel Aviv Israel, we made it.

Eighteen of us hopped on a tour bus from the airport and got out of the city as fast as we could. When the bus stopped we pulled over to the fishing town of Galilee/Tiberius. What an awesome view.

We started the day off at the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount. We read from Matthew 5 and then walked around with visions of what it must have been like for Jesus and the disciples to teach their communities about the Kingdom of Heaven come to Earth.

Then we checked out the place where Jesus was supposed to have done the miracle of the feeding of the 5000 with the bread and fish.

Calire tried to walk on water as Jesus did in the Sea of Galilee. It didn't work out quite the same.

And then we took a sail boat ride on an old wooden boat that was similar to the one's they think Jesus and the Disciples took in their stormy sea story.

The final site of the day was to see the Baptism site on the Jordan River. Most of the boys were more interested in the fish than the story....Ummmm....but really, we had a GREAT TIME!!

Overall, the first day was filled to the brim with stuff, and we saw A LOT! This evening we sat down and downloaded all the emotions, sites, and what we were expecting for the future. Most interesting: Everybody is Bewildered that we are actually walking the footsteps of JESUS. That Jesus was actually here teaching, preaching, healing, and transforming the world is quite an incredible idea.

In America, we think a couple hundred years is old, but some of these towns around Galilee are THOUSANDS of years old today. It's absolutely crazy.

Tomorrow we'll begin again, EARLY.

If you want to follow online, you can like our FB page at http://www.campkivu.com/kivu, or you can follow us on Instagram @KIVUCOLORADO.

Today was busy, but pretty easy. It's about to heat up and get controversial here in the next couple of days. So you won't want to miss it. Keep checking back for updates.

March 28, 2014

At the beginning of any "Braner" style adventure, I get super excited. This morning, I'm starting the adventure of a lifetime. I'm taking 18 KIVU folks over the Atlantic for a week of Holy Land emersion.

We'll walk where Jesus walked.
We'll sit in the same place Jesus sat in the Garden.
We'll be on the same sea the disciples were on.
We'll see the place where the Wise Men came.
We'll see where the Shepherds saw the angels.
We'll walk the streets of Jerusalem with the business similar to Jesus' day.
And right before Easter, we'll see where Jesus was crucified, resurrected, and ascended into heaven.

I'm excited to see all the sites, but I'm more excited to see all my friends.

Last year, we had a group of teenagers from Bethlehem attend our summer camp in Colorado called KIVU. I'm excited to re-connect with them, see how friendships can be fostered overseas, and spend time with people cross cultures.

As I get photos, I'll post them. You're not going to want to miss this.

March 27, 2014

In 2005, I started taking students around the world to serve. I quickly saw our World View Traning was lacking an important part to be significant in the lives of the students coming to our facility in Colorado, EXPERIENCE.

We began as a small group of 12 heading out for the great unknown in Costa Rica. Without taking up the majority of this blog with details, I can say with definity it was the best decision we ever made.

Learning to Love God and Love Others is our motto. We served for a whole week of real mission like service, and at the end of the trip we saw students who returned home different than when they arrived. They're care for others in their own community grew, and many of them have become life long friends who embody WHOLE FAITH LIVING.

On a parent night at KIVU a few years later, one of my parent friends asked me, "What is your longitudinal trajectory for kids to come to camp and travel around the world?"

I didn't really know how to respond at the time, but I've come to shape a response mirroring the effects of that first Costa Rican Experience.

"We are sold out to helping teenagers understand how to Love God and Love Others no matter what. At KIVU in Colorado, we learn how to Love Others through a variety of Colorado outdoor sports, interacting with students from around the world. At The KIVU Gap Year, we show students how to Live a Life of Loving Others through the paradigm of Jesus' Message while He was on earth, as they spend 9 months traveling the globe. And our KIVU intercontinental trips are designed to re-enforce that training as we travel together and learn about the world in service."

To date, we've been to China, Rwanda, Guatemala, Ecuador, The Philippines, and tomorrow we're heading out for Israel.

Eighteen of our KIVU friends are heading to The Holy Land to walk the footsteps of Jesus. We're going to put real geography to our study of the Bible AND we're going to interact with some of the foremost thinkers on the Israel/Palestinian Conflict.

Our mission: To LOVE GOD AND LOVE OTHERS.

We're going to spend time with Israeli Jews, Palestinian Christians, Israeli Atheists, Palestinian Muslims, Israeli Muslims, all while we will see how the message of Jesus was one that broke down the walls of differing people groups. My hope is we come home being more PRO-PEOPLE than we were when we started.

As we walk the shores of the Sea of Galilee, see Jerusalem through the eyes of Jesus, and visit with friends in Bethlehem; this group is going to get a back stage pass to all things Holy Land.

I'll keep my blog up to date next week, and let you know how things are going. We've got lots of media outlet available, and one of the students is even going to Skype into his High School "Issues" class while we're there.

March 19, 2014

I came home last night to see Jamie and the girls watching their favorite show season opener of Dancing with the Stars. I don't know if you've spent anytime following DWTS over the last few seasons, but these people are CRAZY!!

This is the aerobic work out of a lifetime.

Each show they put together a new routine, and then they dance in front of millions of people. One professional dancer takes One Celebrity and they see how far they can compete through each season. It's pretty funny to watch, especially this season when Billy Dee Williams (77 year old Lando Calrision from Star Wars) is strutting his dance moves on the runway.

In any event, last night a couple of dancers went through the first part and then up comes Amy Purdy.

Amy Purdy is a doulbe amputee below the knees.

She doesn't have any legs.

AND SHES DANCING WITH THE STARS!!

She just won the bronze medal in the Sochi para olympic games for snowboarding last week, flew to L.A., then competed on Sunday nights Dancing With The Stars opener.

As I sat with Jamie and watched this performance, my eyes welled up with tears.

I couldn't help but think How many of us are sitting on the sidelines looking at the obstacles in our lives without searching for new opportunities?

I'm so inspired by what Amy is doing, and I'm cheering from a thousand miles away.

Thank you Amy for giving me a breath of fresh optimism in my life today.

No matter the hardship that comes up in front of me, I'm committed to looking for opportunities.

March 18, 2014

This morning I had the sacred privilege of teaching a small Men's Group in Durango Colorado. We've been meeting for nearly 7 months, and our mission is simple "How do we become Better Men?" We're working through Jesus' sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, and we're all finding new exciting ways to look at the Kingdom of Heaven revealed by Jesus. Often we find blind spots in our own thinking as we try to de-couple our own baggage from the essence of what Jesus calls us to be. But we're having fun, and we're learning a lot.

This morning I covered Matthew 6 where Jesus talks about being Anxious. "Don't worry about tomorrow for tomorrow has enough worries of it's own." The whole section is about learning to live under the knowledge that God has everything in control, and we don't.

Even as I was talking there was this fear bubbling up to the surface in my own spirit. I had to look directly in the eyes of the "what if's" of my life, and reconcile Jesus' words. I started asking myself, "Do I really believe this?"

"Look at the lilies of the field how they toil and spin. They're hear today and gone tomorrow. Don't you think your heavenly father thinks more highly of you?"

If I'm honest, I would say, "Well, of course I think it, but do I really believe it?"

I work hard to build.I work hard to protect.I work hard to innovate, and discover.I work to understand how God wants me to live.But I rarely am able to sit back and just say, "God, this is all yours anyway."

I think somewhere in the core of my spirit I truly believe these major parts of my life are held together by the things I do, rather than the things God allows. If I'm honest, I live my life in a performance and reward narrative. If I do...God wil do.If I perform the way God asks me to perform, somehow he's going to reward that achievement.

As we sat in our small groups, one of our older wiser men said:"You know sometimes we ride Mountain bikes. We ride these incredible trails looking for the perfect line through the single tracks here in Durango. But if you look to the right or the left, if you start exploring the dangerous places instead of the lines, you're bike will go right to them. Your bike goes where your eyes lead.

The same will happen if you look to the worry-some possibilities of fear, failure, and worry. If you allow your mind to wonder to worry, you're life will lead you to that place instead of living the life God has fashioned for you. Look for opportunities, instead of obstacles."

I could have stood up right there and shouted AMEN!!!

How many times do I look in the wrong direction, and find myself consumed with fear rather than the abundance of life God promised me to live?

Today, I'm choosing to look for God's way, not my own.I'm looking for opportunity, not obstacle.I'm banking on Jesus' words, "Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough worries of its own."

March 08, 2014

Sometimes when I leave Colorado, I feel like I'm entering a different planet. You might think, "Well, of course Andy, you guys made weed legal before any other state." And that's for sure a difference, but there's something about living in a place where people accept people for people.

At least in my community, there's a level handedness about people's ideas. If they want to smoke weed, then it's just another thing. If they want to talk left winged politics, then it's just another thing. Actually, I use it as an opportunity to present a different way of thinking. But in reality, nobody really cares. Ideas don't interfere with the social musings we enjoy.

When I travel then, I have to calibrate my own way of hearing different ideas to the way different parts of the country hear them. For example:

I was just in Little Rock at a Christian School. My message was simple, "THE issue in the Teen world today is Loneliness masked by their constant connectivity online."Pretty simple, RIGHT?

Well, to set up my thesis, I use several other issues people may think are THE issue, and I quickly try to show the audience how those ideas are symptoms of a core issue of ALONE.

Sexuality and Dating are an issue. We have to talk about them. The stats are grim for healthy relationships between boys and girls in school. But it's not THE issue.Faith Issues in the Public Square is a topic that we need to address, but it's not THE issue we need to deal with.Education all around is important, but at the end of the day, it's not THE issue teenagers are worrying about.THE issue we see clearly at the core of all these other problems is LONELINESS.

So I used "Drug Abuse" as one of the issues we need to talk about. Feeling rather confident I get the Marijuana issue since I AM from Colorado. I told a room full of Jr. HIgh Students, Teachers, and Administrators that we need to talk about it. "I believe in 5 years, legal recreational use is going to be legal in all 50 states. We have to talk about it, but it's not THE issue."

Well, I started getting emails.

Evidently some of the teachers were uncomfortable with my take on talking about Weed. Now mind you, I didn't encourage anyone to go smoke Marijuana in Jr. High. In fact, just the opposite. I can make a case that Marijuana is MOST dangerous in the age just past puberty. As their brains are connecting at a rapid rate, healthy living is important to make sure all those connections happen in a reasonably healthy way. (see EAT HEALTHY as an underpinning here)

But the teachers in the Jr. High weren't concerned with the fact I was trying to make a case to alleviate loneliness from our communities. No, they were more concerned with keeping the silence of smoking Marijuana in the presence of 7th-9th graders in their private school.

I'm a big boy.I can take the criticism.I can answer the emails.I can even stand toe to toe with someone who thinks different than me. (insert Colorado community here)But when teachers at an academy are unwilling to breach a topic that will INVADE their school within the next 5 years, it's absolutely ludicrous.

Weed is a PLAGUE in the public and private schools of America. It's EVERYWHERE.If you get a chance to sit down with your average teenager from anywhere in the country today, you'll find alarming percentages of pot heads in the schools. What was once a movie for adults to laugh and scoff at, is now a real deal in the hallways of high schools today. And what's more, it's TOTALLY accepted.

It's a non-conversation.Where it was once a place of exclusion for "THOSE" kids, now it's just something like, "Yea...they smoke weed." And that's the end of the conversation. There's no shame. There's no guilt. There's no categorization. Athletes are smoking, Academics are smoking, Gamers are smoking, Fringe kids are smoking, Musicians are smoking, It's just the way it is.

To my teacher friends, "YOU are really hurting your students if you don't have an open discussion about what they are going to face in the next year or so. If you think your school is free from the Cannibas Revolution, you'll turn around in three years and it will have overgrown you." (pun intended)

To my parent friends, "No longer can you hide behind the shadows of 'I don't want them to know something they don't need to know at this age.' If your kid is over 10, it's time to start talking about the affects of Marijuana in your home. I promise, if you fail on this one, you're going to find the drug paraphernalia in your home before you know it."

We all think we can protect our kids from the ills of the world. But in reality, all we can do is coach them through it. You're not going to stop introduction to substances to your kid. You can't be with them every hour of their lives. But you can begin to coach them. Early and Often, you can set up boundaries they know they have to respect to live in your home.

March 07, 2014

It's been nearly 15 years since I drove the roads of Little Rock Arkansas. For those of you who don't know, I graduated from a small Christian School in the largest city in the state of Arkansas. This week, I was graciously hosted to come back and share what I've been up to, how our family has grown, and see some of the old "stomping grounds."

I don't know if you've ever had the chance to do those class reunions of sorts, but there's something nostalgic about going back to the places that make us, shape us, and form us so early in life.

When I landed in Little Rock last Tuesday evening, all that came flashing back in a heartbeat. Late night basketball games, runs with my friends down the main drag, and early relationships at church, school, and in the community that quite literally have shaped the DNA of who I am.

Waiting patiently at the baggage claim were my new friends The Caldwells. They were incredible!! When families host me in their city, it can be nerve racking. I mean really, who wants to show someone else how family functions? But the Caldwells were kind, honest, and delightful the entire time I was in their home.

We started Wednesday morning at Little Rock Christian Academy, a large private school in Little Rock which boasts of a Blue Ribbon School. For those of you who don't know the Blue Ribbon schools, these are the schools in the country who have attained the highest level of proficiency in academics, athletics, and facilty. They are the schools sending kids to high end colleges, preparing their way to lead the world in the next generation.

My old Anatomy teacher, Patrick Salman, is one of the leaders in the school's administration; and we spent a whole afternoon laughing and recalling the last several years. Walking down memory lane with him was incredible. Thanks Mr. Salman. The people God places in our young lives make a difference, and the time you took to invest in me...well I'm GRATEFUL.

Then I had a unique opportunity to talk to my old church, Fellowship Bible Church. This is one of those key churches in the country at the forefront of the Bible Church Movement, and pastors like Robert Lewis, Bill Parkinson, and Bill Wellons started something special WAY BACK IN THE 80's.

The campus now boasts of 5000 members, which is astounding for such a small town, and they're trying to help people along a spiritual journey in a very strange time in our world. Grace is the word of the year, and a few of the current pastors helped me see how they are investing in the lives of thousands there in Little Rock. I'm thankful to my new friend Tim who leads a large youth group trying to help students understand how to ask good questions about faith.

All in all, the experience was, well...interesting. The home I thought was SO big, actually is a Big-Small town. Everybody knows everybody, and it's easy to navigate the schools and the social circles. But more importantly, I reflect on the power of experiences when we're young.

The programs I was involved in shaped me.The people who invested in me formed me.The social pressure I was exposed to, molded me to think the way I think today. And it reminded me how important it is that we take good care of how our kids are being raised today.

I'm drawn to be intentional about the programs, people, and places my kids have access to. I'm hopeful my kids have a BIG view of the world.I'm excited to see how my own children will grow and respond to the forces in their own lives shaping them even today.

And in the middle of all this reflection I found a unique perspective. Even though those experiences shaped my own DNA, I'm not shackled by them. I'm different than when I was in that town. It helped form me young, but it didn't dictate the hope I have for the future. And even in the midst of the memory lane, I found a freedom from the romanticism I once thought was my home.

The town has changed.The people are all grown up.The institutions I knew, are entirely different from two decades ago.

I suppose that's how it's supposed to be.

So to finish my three days in Little Rock:

To Little Rock, I say THANKS> Thank you for the time I spent, the ideas I challenged, and the journey you set me on so long ago.

To the Caldwells, I say THANKS>Thank you for taking me in your home and treating me as a friend, even though we've only known ABOUT one another.

To all my friends I met after being gone for 15 years, I say THANKS>Thank you for all the wonderful experiences that set me on a journey in the this large world to understand who I am, where I'm going, and how to be a good friend to so many across the world.

And now it's time to be home, take a break from technology, and relax with the greatest Party of 7 I know.

March 03, 2014

Lent season is upon us again. The rhythm of the faith calendar is interesting, and while most of my protestant friends don't understand Lent, it's a part of millions of believer's lives this time of year.

As I was preparing my head space for Lent this year, I started reading the Passion week again. You know the part of Jesus' journey from the countryside to Jerusalem? It starts with the Palm entry, the trial before Caiaphas, and ultimately His crucifixion on Golgotha.

The part of the story that stood out to me this morning was the time in the Garden.

Two years ago, I went to the Garden outside the walls of Jerusalem; and it was THE most intense experience for me. According to the botanists, the trees standing in the garden today are some of the same trees Jesus might have leaned against during the beginning of the suffering He was about to endure. Standing in the middle of the garden, I felt the weight of what it must have been like.

Of course, I don't know what it's like to be Jesus.I don't know what it's like to face life threatening circumstances while my buddies lay sleeping by my side.I don't know the agony Jesus must have known facing a separation from the Father. But somehow in the middle of that small patch of olive trees, I sensed the Alone-ness.

Luke writes the story like this:

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luke 22:39-44)

The other gospel writers talk about Jesus' continued pressing for his disciples to pray for Him, but He found them sleeping each time he went to them. But Luke shows us that an Angel had to be sent from Heaven to comfort Jesus.

As I was reading this section this morning, my heart ached again. Not unlike the moments I spent in the Garden myself, I felt the agony of a man longing for his friends to be with him, but because of their inadequacy, God had to send an angel.

Then I began to wonder...

How many of us are walking through life's hard issues?We look around for those who will walk with us, but often our friends are busy, they don't get it, or they pay attention to their own self interest. Not wanting to bother, we set out on our own and try to make it...We try to survive.

Even Jesus needed an angel, and that's where my soul is dwelling today.

When life gets hard, and you face trials of many kinds, Who ministers to you?

Is there a place you can go, someone who knows, and maybe more importantly someone who really cares for you and your well being?

Before Lent begins, I'm dwelling on this "weight of pain" we all deal with as humans.

February 28, 2014

Ever feel like you're walking through life with a set of overweight luggage? Does it ever seem like you're wandering through the maze trying to find the end, and for some reason there's a tether to your arm just dragging on you?

I can't tell you how many times I've been running through airports around the world trying to make the next flight, and I just happened to pack my bags heavy.

It's weary.
It makes my attitude foul.
My physical body has to work harder to get to my destination.
And I look at my bag when I get there and wonder, "When am I going to use all this stuff anyway? I need to unload!!"

Well, life's not that different.

1. The Luggage of Family
Even typing 'luggage' of family made my face gnarl. I don't mean to use the word luggage in a consistently negative light. I mean luggage can be usable, functional, and needed, right? So when I write family luggage, I mean, 'What kind of ideas, world views, or habits are in us simply because of the family we grew up in?'

It's crazy to think how many marriages end up failing because of past family issues. One spouse rolls the toilet paper up, and the other rolls it down. In the midst of figuring out why, an argument will escalate, and before long; neither person really knows what they're fighting about.

Been there?
I have.

The simplest little behavioral difference can bring on massive consequences, especially if we don't recognize where those behaviors came from. It's the baggage we assume everyone else carries, but actually they may be all together carrying something totally different.

2.) Financial Luggage
This one is a bit more tangible. You either have money or don't. You're either soluble or not. You can bring all kinds of financial baggage into a relationship you never intended.

You spend money one way, and your partner spends it another.
You think you need a bigger house, and your partner thinks it's too big already.
You think you need a faster car, but actually your car is just fine right now and ITS PAID FOR!!
You think you need a new set of clothes, a n adventurous vacation, or some big purchase, and your partner brings an opposite view.

For real. How many marriages have to walk through this financial baggage question? And how many people recognize that much of their spending or saving habits are a result of family, friends, or cultural baggage.

They are actually carrying relational suitcases full of opinion that seem rational to one and absurd to another.

What do we do?

3.) Faith Baggage
This one has been one of the hardest for me. Wait until the end of the paragraph before you judge, as I can see my faith friends cringing in the corner of their computer stations.

Faith is one of the most important factors in giving us a realistic navigational tool to guide our lives. It helps us decide what's right and what's wrong. It creates a story by which we live. If given full access to our own selves, it dictates who we marry, where we go to school, what vocation we choose, how we treat people, whether we give of ourselves or not. Faith is an important driver of all our decisions.

Now take a look at the landscape of faith in the world. In the Christian world, there are over 3500 different denominations vying for the title of truth. Each one proclaims they have the corner on the market for what is real and what isn't. Each group says they read the Bible better than the other.

"Well, those people are..." and "Well, they believe..." and "If they only..." and "They're not on the team yet, but we're praying..."

Think about all the suitcases full of faith being dragged through life. It's enormous. And depending on what region of the country, what state, or what nationality you come from; these statements get even more divisive.

Is there a way we can sit down and focus on the things most people of faith agree on?
I don't mean we sit down and empty the easy baggage, sing kum-by-ya and then do nothing.
I mean actually sit down and discuss, what are the things we can celebrate together, and what are our differences. What are really the things that divide us so we can stop fighting from within, and focus on our true mission as followers of Jesus "LOVE GOD; LOVE OTHERS" (Matthew 22:37-40)

I've been in nearly a dozen different churches in the past two months, and I'm convinced more than ever, we need to take a long look at the baggage we're carrying.
It's keeping us from becoming the body Jesus described, and ultimately shows the world exactly what Jesus warned us of. "The world will know you are my disciples by the way you love one another."

It's time to drop the bags.
It's time to unload the dirty laundry.
It's time to let go of the racial, economic, and social wardrobes we're clinging to.
It's time we release the fear of THE OTHER.

February 27, 2014

Yesterday I had a brief layover in Denver to work with a fascinating group of men and women. Their calling is to help mentor, train, and encourage deep relationships between people.

This new company is the culmination of 30 years of work by my good friend and mentor Wes Roberts, who has mentored me for the last decade. Through the highs and lows of life, Wes sits and listens, gives advice, and ALWAYS comes to my relational aid NO MATTER the circumstance. It's been an incredible friendship spanning the last 10 years, and I think it's important that people know there are these types of relationships out there. I hear it far to often, "I'm so Alone in life. I just don't have anyone who gets me." Well...get ready for a change.

As we began to program a bit of the 'how to's' I sat back in amazement watching a team of people dedicated to a process of helping others understand what it means to live life in a whole way---together.

1. For The Individual
I believe deeply we have lost the art of 'truly knowing' and 'being known' in our culture. We don't even have the vocabulary to be able to enter into meaningful deep levels of relationships because we live in such a fast paced efficient world. We text our feelings, 'like' our friends, and count on people to use all forms of social media to 'connect.' But what happens when the 'likes' and the 'tweets' stop coming? Where are the people in our individual lives with the wisdom, care, and long term encouragement to make it day to day?

I believe we can revitalize this culture of 'knowing and being known,' but there is a certain level of education that has to go first. We can't simply utter words like community, brotherhood, sisterhood, or friendship without having a toolbox with the right relationship tools to achieve those places in our lives where we don't know how.

We've got to examine the core of our belief systems and find out what motivates us, be introspective about the baggage of history causing us to be or not be, and ultimately surrender to the fact we're all human trying to make it through life the best we know how.

I know, at least for me, the times I feel the pressure of life beginning to choke in around me, are the very times I NEED someone to help walk with me and assure me The Sun Is Going To Come Up Tomorrow. Some might see that as weakness, but I see an system of mentorship as an unbreakable strength of life.

2. For the Business
Too many companies are trying to teach and train their employees in one dimension of life. Sell, Sell, Sell, is the mantra in the corporate culture.

In fact, I was just talking with a friend in Florida last week who admitted, "When I knew the top level executives, and I respected them, I would work insatiably for the companies' bottom line. Now that the turn over has replaced those people with bottom line production people, I see my work as 'just a job.'"

Now what CEO or Management wants their employees to work out of a crucible of obligation? Sure we have to produce at our work, that's what business is; but think deeply about the companies you've worked with who take great care to meet the needs of employees while they manage the company output. Don't we all want to work in environments where people care about our family, our creative input, our opinions, our financial viability, and our overall health and wellness?

This Whole Life Mentoring does just that. We're planning on helping the Business World with tools that make a company like a second family, dedicated to one another, and ultimately prove to be a healthy place to make money and grow as humans instead of just being production factories.

3. For the Church
As we look at various organizations trying to develop deep partnerships with their people, The Church culture is part of my own make up. The impact Youth Pastors like Mark Rutherford, coaches like Patrick Salman, and leaders like Pastor Scotty Gibbons have had on my life makes me want to help other churches understand the vernacular of growing long term leaders.

Words like Accountability and Discipleship are muddy, grey, and sometimes clouded with guilt and shame. When actually, true disciples are those who are willing to grow in whole. They are people who teach and train others how to live life worthy of the calling Jesus called us all to live, and we have an awesome opportunity to help those who want a clear path toward healthy living in the freedom of human existence.

I'm excited to watch this team develop these tools I can already see are going to be MONUMENTAL for people who want a way to truly live life with other people. This comprehensive approach will bring meaning to the individual longing for community, a sense of belonging to employers and employees who are trying to create healthy work environments, and a renewal for the church who is stuck in programming and long to return to a community of a people living life in freedom.

Thanks Wes Roberts for your leadership, your vision, and most of all for your continued belief in my own journey. I know it's rocky at times, and unsure; but you're a man willing to walk with me through it...to the end.

Get ready world...this is about to be something vitally important to our culture.

February 24, 2014

These last four days, I've been with some great friends down in Palm Beach Florida. I have to confess, I planned this trip because February in Durango is usually the winter blues. So when I got the call to develop a program for a St. Mark's in Palm Beach, I jumped at the chance.

I arrived on Wednesday last week late in the evening after a few cancelled legs of my flight plans. My new friends Gwen and Ethan Nichol picked me up at the airport, and we hit the ground running.

Thursday, I had a chance to talk to the local ABC affiliate as we did a half hour interview on Teenage Sociology as it relates to Social Media. Then we hopped in the car and went to teach at the school associated with St. Marks Episcopal Church. After meeting the leadership of the church, I knew I was in the right spot. We were all trying to evoke a curiosity about Jesus in the midst of mainline denomination, and the kids were hungry.

After a day teaching at the school, we held an adult meeting in the main sanctuary. The topic: ALONE, the biggest issue our culture is dealing with today. After 40 minutes of lecture, I opened the conversation up to questions, and the parents didn't disappoint. We talked for nearly an hour about how students need to learn the tools of technology without compromising relational tools allowing them to create deep real friendships. On the journey of becoming a well healed adult, I believe it's important to expose some of the insecurities students face, so they can live life together, instead of in the social isolation social media can provide.

Friday, we hit the ground running at the school again, and then Friday night and all day Saturday, we had 50 kids who were ready to dive deep into the questions of developing a whole faith.

We started with theology, philosophy, and sociology of faith, and quickly moved to practical issues of dating, culture, and what it means to live in the world with a broader worldview. Even the students who were hard to reach left the weekend with a profound curiosity to discover their own spiritual journey.

And that's really what I love to see. In a weekend like this, I'm reminded of how impactful it can be if we lay aside our baggage of how to "do" church and focus on the heart of what it means to "be" people who follow Jesus.

I'm so thankful to my new friends Gwen, Scott, Ethan, Christopher, Charlie, Jennifer, Alex, Terry, and all the folks that made these four days possible. You guys were an encouragement to me, as I hope I was to you.

Now back home to Durango to see the Braner Party of 7. I sure do miss them when I'm on the road like this, and I'm thankful they still like the old man around when I walk through the front door.

February 17, 2014

Last night I was driving home, kids in the back, holding my wife's hand; when all of the sudden a big bright light appeared over the top of the mountain. I could see it bright in the rear view mirror, and for a second I thought someone was shining a huge spot light right in the back window of our car.

Then, as I looked closer, I found it wasn't a spotlight, it wasn't a car light at all, it was the full moon rising for the evening.

I don't know what the moon looked like at your home last night, but we were spectators to a beautiful bright full moon. It was incredible!! It seemed like it was right over the mountain range above our house, and it had this crazy lure to it drawing my attention away from the road. I couldn't stop looking at it.

When we got home we all hopped out of the car, and I just stared up at the night sky.

Have you ever done that? Maybe you don't have access to a clear night sky because you're surrounded by city lights. So here, do this...Drive about 20 minutes outside the edge of your town one night, and just look up. Here in Colorado when we look up you can see millions of stars. There's actually a place here on our property where, in the summer, you can stand and see the biggest band of the milky way strewn across the night sky. It's incredible!!

So this morning, I was working on my prayer and meditation. I thought about how Jesus called us to pray, "Our Father...who art in Heaven...Hallowed be thy name..."

And for some reason that moon just kept creeping in my head. I couldn't shake it.The questions coming in my being were clear:

Do you know how much stuff is out there we haven't even seen yet?How big is the universe?If you're out there God, I'm amazed you have all this under control!!Who am I to stand before a moon like last night and be a part of this great story called life?

Literally for about 30 minutes...I....Just...Stopped.

I stopped to recognize how small I really am.I stopped to see the insignificance of my vapor of a life in relation to all this creation around me.And then I stopped and just thought about how every breath I breathe is connected to the same creation I'm in awe of.

Every atom of Oxygen I take in my lungs is somehow connected to the Big creator. Every morsol of Carbon Dioxide I breathe out goes into the great big world around me.Every part of me is connected to the bigger story.

And so is yours.

So as you think today about your place in the world, don't forget, with every breath you take, YOU are a part of something much larger.

February 14, 2014

On this Valentine's Day, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for my dear wife Jamie Jo. She's an incredible person both inside and out. For the last 20 years of knowing Jamie, she's been an un-dying supporter, encourager, and friend. On the mountain tops of life, she's there to celebrate with me and rejoice in the Victory. And in the darkest times of doubt and despair, she's not only willing but rushes to my aid.

Her laugh is contagious.Her smile puts every situation at ease.Her humor erupts the most boring of groups.Her care for others is unmatched.She reaches out to those in need like no one I've ever known.As a mother of 5, she's constantly working to be better, every day.She works tirelessly.And there's never a moment she looks for her own needs.She's quick witted, and finds the fastest ways to make people laugh.Her ability to see to the core of my soul is so refreshing.She's never too tired to help me think through problemsShe says "Yes" to most people who ask her to give.

On this Valentine's Day, I'm excited to see what adventures are out there unfolding for our next year, our next five years, and even to the end.

Thanks Jamie Jo for being a wonderful example of how to love generously. You're one in a million, and I want the whole world to know!!

It's been almost a month now. A Month filled with the most unlikely, interesting, thought provoking meetings.

I met a woman in the Middle East Pushing for women's rights in the region. I met a President from a small "stan" country looking for help becoming a NATO member from the American Congress. I met a Minister of Education interested in helping to create new ways of teaching students in his home country. I met an eastern european banker looking to spread his bank's reach to America. I met a student in New York who courageously came out of the closet and told his school he's gay. I met a Marxist who lives in Texas. (I know..how does that happen?) I met an Orthodox Jew married to a Ukrainian woman who both taught me how to welcome the Shabbat in a 15 minute reading of the Shama and various Torah scriptures.

For a month, I've been meeting all these people who have dramatically different family, cultural, and faith values than I do; but they also hold much of the same human-ness I have.

It's made me think deeply about how I see the world. It's caused a reflection of my soul about the way we connect with people, how we interact with who we interact with, why we choose to socialize with some while distancing ourselves from...well...THE OTHER.

The Other is a term I've learned this month from a wise Jordanian friend. We all have a tendency to surround ourselves with people who look like us, believe like us, have an education like us, make about as much money as we make, and they all give us a blanket feeling of safety. But when THE OTHER comes into our world, we don't know what to do.

When someone enters a sphere of influence that is 180 degrees different, or maybe entirely in opposition to our views, how do we respond? What is our play?

Some will run interference and try to avoid THE OTHER. Conflict is a place for the young to battle, and after a certain phase of life, it's just easier to keep THE OTHER at bay.

Some will run head to head and 'fight for the truth' they hold dear. They sense a threatening from THE OTHER that might change the way they live, who they see, or how they're seen. This posture tends to create battle lines where two are willing to fight to the death, often metaphorical, but maybe a case could be made for literal war here. We go and fight the other!!

And then there's a third way, the Way of Jesus.

Jesus, being made in the image of God, was constantly surrounded by THE OTHER. In fact, THE OTHER is everyone else. Imagine for a second how Jesus forewent His right to being the same with God, and came to live here on earth with...THE OTHER. He gave up the streets of gold, the angels singing His name, and the adoration of Heavenly Holiness to be with humanity.

Jesus' THE OTHER was: The woman at the well The man with a dying son The Prostitute His friend Lazarus who died The Jewish leaders of the day The Roman Empire who ruled the land The woman who touched his Garment The leper who needed to be healed The Disciples who constantly didn't understand The people who walked away from the teaching of the God/Man

And he chose to live among them.

Today, I'm feeling quite humbled to follow Jesus who saw THE OTHER as someone who was worth getting to know, someone worth healing, and ultimately someone worth sacrificing for.

I want my life to be consumed with THE OTHER. I want to love THE OTHER with a giant spirit. Even when the airlines cancel my flight... Or a publisher rejects a book... Even when a blogger posts something negative... Or when my family fights for no obvious reason... I want to love THE OTHER in abundance today.

February 13, 2014

A recent article in USA today shows that teenagers in America are stressed. You may ask, "So what else is new?" Teenagers have always been stressed. They wake up and have to get to school. At school, they have to pay attention, do the work, meet deadlines, it's all a part of growing up and figuring out how to navigate life, right?

It may be the case the teenage years have always been stressful, but according to Michael Bradley, a psychologist in Feasterville, Pa., who specializes in teens...

"I'm not sure it would be the clinical definition of stress. I think they get stressed because somebody puts a demand on them and they don't want to do it," he says. "However, on their behalf, I will fall back on the fact that hard numbers tell us kids are more anxious and depressed than they've ever been."

We know stress is a driving force in anxiety causing people to fear, change behavior, and contributes to some of the most dangerous behavior mechanism for students to figure out how to cope with their stress.

According to the article there are several indicators that show teenagers are reaching out for relief, and the most dramatic evidence is the rate of attempted suicide. The article sites, "According to a study about depression published in 2012 in the journal Clinical Psychological Science, found that rates of suicide attempts were significantly higher in adolescents ages 13-17 than in emerging adults (ages 18-23) or adults (24-30)."

So what do we do?

Kristen Race, of Steamboat Springs, Colo., author of the book Mindful Parenting, out in January, says teens are generally honest about responding to confidential surveys. She confirms that teens aren't simply using stress as a 'pass card' but they're actually being pressured from all sides of life.

In addition, Race comments, "If you look at teen suicide statistics, stress is one of the things that leads to suicide attempts," she says. "It's incredibly important to have the downtime, and it makes sense to have a dramatic shift in the summer. They sleep more in the summer, and that's going to enormously increase their ability to think positively. "

I've been advocating this idea of a total break from the norm during the summer months. Teenagers need to sleep, they need to experience a different rhythm of life, and ultimately they need places where they can experience joy. It's the way it used to be. Summer was a time for refreshing and renewal.

Again, I'm going to plug our summer camp in Colorado, CAMP KIVU. Our staff here have a culmination of over 100 years of experience in helping students take a break from life. They have the chance to raft, hike, bike, fish, or just simply sit and enjoy the company of like minded teens from around the world.

We specialize in giving kids a different speed of life, and we intentionally help kids be kids.

As a culture, we should be VERY CONCERNED how our teenagers are learning to deal with stress, because the habits they develop today will carry over to adulthood. A well intentioned break in the mountains of Colorado may be just what the doctor ordered.

February 12, 2014

I knew it wouldn't take that long. Advertisers are increasingly realizing we are ALL ALONE!! Smartphone technology may connect us quickly, or make work mobile, or even give us access to information never seen before; but the reality is...WE DONT KNOW HOW TO BE TOGETHER

I was watching the olympics the other night when this commercial came on, and I raised my hands in affirmation. So many times last week I was with a group of people who were paying more attention to the people on their phones than the people they were with in the group.

October of 2013, I released a book about this. ALONE: FINDING CONNECTION IN A LONELY WORLD speaks to a generation who doesn't know life without technology. The idea that we develop stories together, pay attention to other people, and be 'in the moment,' is a consuming problem.

I was on the Metro in Washington D.C. last week when I looked down the rail to find every single person typing away on their smartphone. I was in a small group of teenagers the week before, and if you didn't know any better, you might have thought there was some late breaking news everyone had to know at that moment. They sat in silence around a circle talking with someone else in a far off tech world.

After the Chevy Commercial, I saw this

Can you imagine?

Can you even think of a day when you're about to give a gift to someone and you have to text them to look at you in the eyes?

Well, that day is here!!! And it's only getting worse.

We developed a place to help teenagers navigate this world. Our 500 acres in Southwest Colorado is a magical place of adventure and relational learning. We're teaching kids how to put the phone down for a bit and look each other in the eyes.

You might say, "Well, that's not my kid. They know how to have friendships, just look at the people around them. They're all doing the same thing." To which I would reply "EXACTLY!"

Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of connecting through all types of social media, internet tools, and quick text. But if we don't carve out a time where we can learn how to relate to the people we are with, I'm afraid we'll have a world full of technobots.

The ability to imagine, create, and think outside a space where you're constantly connected is something of an art today. And the crazy part of the equation is: We all feel ALONE. There's a deep dark cavern in our soul where we wonder if there will be people who like us in real time. We've given up our need for friendships to see who has liked my Instagram picture, or who has re-tweeted my twitter comment, or who is commenting on my Facebook wall.

What will we become if we can't navigate the fear of rejection with people in front of us so we can learn what it means to collaborate as human?

If you're like me, and you want to continue living an adventurous life in tandem with a technology life, then we've got to continue reaching out to students who NEED THIS.

Each summer at Camp KIVU we place those technology devices in a safe for two weeks. We tell our students, "We love the ability to connect and we don't think technology is evil, but we do want you to learn what it means to be in the moment together."

If you're living in a home where it's harder and harder to communicate with your kids, Check out KIVU today, and plan on fasting from your technology for 2 weeks.

And if that won't work out in your schedule, be sure to check out my book ALONE. It's available at Amazon, Barnes And Nobel, and I'll even send you a signed copy if you want to email me at Andy@campkivu.com.

This is a cultural problem we can FIX!! But we can't sit on the sidelines hoping it will go away. We're only going to get faster in our communication, and I'm afraid we're going to wind up all ALONE.

February 11, 2014

Over the last few months I've been thinking about identity. How do we identify ourselves? How do we identify others?

Not that long ago I was sitting in New York with some family friends, and as I listened to the conversation it struck me, we all have boxes we create to put others in so we can feel comfortable.

"Oh you know Rick, he's an Irish Catholic that works down on Wall Street" the matriarch said.

"Yea, he's married to Jean from that Orthodox Jewish Family." the man replied.

Over and over again, it seemed like everybody in their world was tied to a religious group, an ethnic group, or a vocational group which helped to qualify the conversation. Before long I started to think, "I wonder how I would indentify myself to others?"

I can try and put a claim on ethnic race, vocation, and religion, but in each instance I'm not really satisfied with the baggage each one of those answers comes with.

I'm white - which to my African-American friends might mean I'm a part of a majority class here in America who sets rules and has some advantage in life.I'm Christian - which to my Jewish friends might bring back memories of oppression, crusades, or even holocaust. I'm a University Graduate - which to my homeless friends carves out a 'silver spoon' kind of lifestyle unable to identify with the plight of those who weren't able to go to college.I'm employed - which to the jobless around the world means I identify with the lucky ones who have the opportunity to provide for my familyI'm American - which to my Middle Eastern friends means I walk in tandum with the foreign policy decisions of my governmentI'm from Colorado - which to the rest of America means I'm surely smoking weed any chance I get

Do you see how confusing it is to be put in a box where your identiy might not line up with what people think?

Of course these are all stereotypes and false at every comment, but we all do this. We all have little boxes we create so we can feel more comfortable about the relationships we get in. We all identify others, but how often do we identify ourselves?

I wonder...

If someone really wanted to know the core of who I am, without all the outside stereotypical boxes we create for one another; What would they find?

What would they find in your core? Who are you when social media is turned off?What are the character qualities you are consistently living by no matter who you talk to?

And maybe the more important question is, how do you begin to live by those core values so people can know you without the boxes?

I know what I want to be. I know what I think I am.But I'm taking inventory today to see how well I live those core identity principles to the world.

So today, take 15 minutes to think about who are you and see if there are blind spots in your life that may be putting you in a box you don't want to be in.

May we be people who live who we are at the core.May we stand in the face of the fear of rejection so we can be who we were created to be.May we thwart those things that take us to places where our actions don't line up with who we are.

I got home last Friday after being gone for nearly a month, and my kids were ready. I opened the door, and with their best laser focus my kids said, "DAD!! The Lego movie is out, we HAVE TO GO!"

So Saturday afternoon I took my kids to see this block busting surprise movie of February. I must admit, if you've read this blog for any family posts you know my dislike of legos. When my kids were little I remember stepping on those stupid little blocks in the middle of the night barefoot and on the verge of cussing.

They never built the stuff on the box.They always lost the little people.I just have to be honest, Legos were no where near my favorite toy go-to for Christmas or Birthdays.

So you can imagine I wasn't exactly pumped to see this movie with the horrid little toy people.

Opening credits began, and immediately I was drawn in. It was like Clay Mation with Legos. So even though I don't like the toy blocks, I can totally appreciate the movie makers effort to make this movie with legos. I'm sure they had some kind of animatronic kind of CGI or something, but it was really interesting the way they filmed it.

The story was another great surprise!!

The evil Mr. Business is trying to build everything in the city with instructions, while the master builders were the creatives building anything they could imagine. After a pseudo star wars type of prophecy is revealed, the regular guy is thrown into the mix with master builders to save the universe.

In the end the creative story was to allow room in the world for creatives AND those who like to follow instructions. I sat in my seat marveling at the way the writers were able to fuse these two ideas together, as I'm one of the creators and my oldest son is a 'follow the instruction' kind of kid.

When I thought about the morale of the story on the drive home, I was thinking about the way we do faith. Some of us are 'follow the rules' type of faith people, while others are creatives searching for the most imaginative way to follow Jesus that we can. (one guess as to which one I am)

The most freeing part of being a part of the family of God is: You can do it either way.

God loves people on both sides of this conversation while He calls for us to live a life full of Grace and Full of Obedience. The grand paradox of living life within the boundaries of God's Kingdom is learning how to live in a world with both kinds of people. To be honest, this tension often reveals itself in nit-picking-fits of 'Who's the MOST right?'

For me: The best way to learn how to love as God loves is to live in a world trying to understand how God loves both. God loves those who's faith is credited them as righteous, and God loves those who are willing to live a life of sacrifice. Neither is more holy than the other as evidenced by the characters we read in scripture. For Abraham, his faith was credited as righteous. And as for Stephen, he was the greatest follower of Jesus who ever lived.

So today, I'm encouraged by a little film about building with toy blocks. Being creative and imaginative CAN exist with those who try and figure out the rules and boundaries God set for us here on earth.

February 07, 2014

Growing up I never really wanted to go to the Holy Land. I guess from years of hearing how God is present everywhere kept me thinking, "Why would I want to go over there? It's dusty. It's dirty. It's where Jesus walked on earth, but Jesus walks with me today." And so every time I thought about getting on a long airplane ride to Israel, I just thought it would be a waste of time.

Two years ago, I had a chance to go and see the Holy Land Up close and personal. It was AMAZING!! I had a unique opportunity to see the sites, meet the people, and understand with clarity what's going on in the region when I read of the Holy Land in the news.

This March I'm going to take 15 people on a journey to see where Jesus walked. I'm going to introduce them to my friends in the region, and I'm excited to introduce the importance of the Holy Land in every day life.

I just spent three days clearing the way, and I couldn't be more excited about what we have in store for the KIVU people coming on the trip.

So, mark your calendars, as we walk the steps of Jesus, see the Old Testament sites, and post our journey. You won't want to miss it. March 29-April 6. We'll be there.

For the second year in a row, I attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. It's an incredible time where lawmakers and high level international diplomats share a common theme; mainly to pray.

Of course, the official breakfast is always on Thursday morning where the President of the United States and several Congressional Leaders come together under the banner of prayer. It's an amazing spectacle to see as hard line Republicans drop their political guard alongside outspoken left leaning Democrats to pray for the world. Some of them are deeply religious, and others have little to do with spiritual things, but for a short moment in time they find the common bond of humanity more important than any political ideology that normally keeps our country in such great tension.

The week really begins the Monday before as the diplomats from all over the world fly in for various meetings. Some set up congressional meetings with congressmen and senators, and others find this week as a neutral ground to connect with other world leaders. At the Washington Hilton there are rooms set up for every area of the world to have meetings, talk about their national interests, and ultimately have a time to connect with others willing to pray.

Most of you know I've been working with friends from the Middle East for nearly a decade now, so my interaction largely takes shape with business leaders, faith leaders, and political leaders interested in knowing how to connect youth from different cultures.

This year was one of the most incredible times I've ever experienced. I had the chance to pray with a Lebanese Muslim leader, a Saudi business man and his wife, and even connected to The Berkley Center Director for Peace and Reconciliation around the world.

I've been moved by the power of Jesus in the midst of these leaders. Jesus truly has the power to bring the oddest of characters around a dinner table to learn how to be friends in this dangerous world we live in.

One of my newest friends is a young man from a Middle Eastern country who was touched by the spirit of God in a new way. He told me yesterday, "I want to learn how to let go of my hatred. I want to know how to love people and become a better man." I couldn't stop the tears from welling up in my own eyes as I watched this young man see the world in a new way. He caught the spirit of Jesus and confirmed we must continue to focus on Jesus' message "Love God....and Love your neighbor."

When we simplify all our theology to a place where Jesus is at the center, great things can be accomplished. We can lay down our stereotypes of "the other" and begin to build bridges of peace.

I'm thankful to my friends at the breakfast, the organizers who labor all year long to facilitate, and my new friends who will take the message of Jesus they learned back to their homes...I'm Grateful.

Free from the baggage of Christian tradition, the hope and freedom found at the heart of Jesus' message CAN transform the world from the fear based mantra many of us cling to for security. We don't need to eliminate the world from talk of Jesus; but rather, I've found we need to continue to talk of Jesus in the most unlikely places.

Who knows....You may even be the missing link to bring the Love of God to people in your own neighborhood by living inside the love God came to give all mankind.

This week will continue to be an important guide for what we're trying to do at the camp in Colorado. KIVU will continue being a place where students from all over the world can hear the message of Jesus full of Grace and Truth.

February 03, 2014

This morning I had a bit of a 'rest' day, whatever that really means. I had two major 'to do's.'

#1. Since I'm in Washington D.C. this week for meetings at the National Prayer Breakfast, I was told to GET A HAIRCUT. I know hair isn't that big of a deal to my fellow Durangoneons (people from Durango Colorado) but the rest of the world seems to keep this idea that your hair gives a first impression. My attitude: D.U.M. Who cares? But somewhere in this world people really do. So I popped into a barber shop here in D.C. down the road from my hotel, and had a young lady from China cut my hair.

I could've just told her to hurry up, and sit there in anonymity; but I took some time to get to know her. She told me about how she got to D.C., why she loved cutting hair, and then we got into how much she loved her family here in D.C. I heard a woman really share her deepest concern for her brother living in New York, her Mother and Father now growing old and getting sick, and how she worked to make sure she shouldered the responsibility of the family.

It didn't take much. Just a smile and an interest.When you stop to ask people how they are, most are willing to share life together.

After all, isn't that how we were created to be?

#2. My wonderful friend in Dallas Texas bought me a Christmas gift for this week, and I needed to get some shoes to match this impressive suit.

Again, for my friends in Durango this is going to sound ridiculous, but you can't wear snowboots with a suit. So I walked right into a small shoe shop down the road, and told the man inside I was in need for some good shoes to go with this incredible suit.

He tried to sell me some winged tips. Not happening.He went on to slipper like dress shoes.Still not impressed.Then we just started talking.

He told me how he lived in a political family and knew how to dress in these circumstances. He shared his work history, and then asked me what I did. When I told him about The KIVU Gap Year, he and I shared an hour just having fun as we searched for the perfect shoes.

I walked out knowing more about shoes than I ever though existed, but more importantly, I walked out with a new friend. "Come back and tell me how your meetings went. I'd love to hear some updates." he said as we shook hands to leave.

It doesn't really take anything but time. Sure I could have gone to a faster barber and I certainly didn't need to spend an hour in the shoe store, but time is the currency we all have to give. Busy lives don't get us any closer to the end goal, they just keep us from enjoying the presence of others in our lives.

So today, STOP!!!!Say hi to the people you're interacting with, and don't be afraid to share your life. You might not get to check off everything on your list, but you'll be a whole lot richer than before you began the day.

He got off an airplane from Africa a little over 4 years ago, and became the happiest person in the BranerPartyof7. Today is Tiki's birthday, and I'm shouting out from the east coast, HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAL!!

I've never met a more compassionate kid in my life. When he gets the chance to care for someone, TIKI takes it to another level. Showing the world to love without prejudice, Tiki has an unbelievable future as he reaches out to care for "the other" without any boundaries.

He laughs loud.He enjoys life to the fullest.He dances to the rhythm of a fun filled life.

February 02, 2014

In a short few hours the sanctuary will open it's doors, and the patrons of one of America's largest religions will open it's temple for worship. Nearly 1 Billion people from all over the world will be watching as the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks battle for the World Championship and a place in the divine order of history of Super Bowl Champs.

The congregation will have tithed their annual offerings to enter, and the communion of hot dogs and beer will flow wildly from the bowls of the Met Life stadium.

The archangels will flip the obligatory coin, and the the battle will ensue.

Many on the sidelines and many watching at home will pray fervently for their particular team to come out on top, while the others pray the same. And in the end, we'll all forget about this game in the next year as we wind up to do it all over again.

I must admit, I really do like watching football. I had dinner with a friend last night in New York who reminded me how challenging this brute chess match can be. Both sides have similar skill, and it will depend on the right moves, the right time, and a whole lot of luck to be the victor today.

But in my heart of hearts, if I may, can I gently remind my friends, "it's only a game."

It's really only a game.
Grown men who throw an oblong leather pigskin down the field to score the random 7 or 3 points.
It's really only a game.
Fans who dress in their orange or their green who've found a community to rally with in the heat of the competition.
It's really only a game.
Advertisers will spend millions, corporations will make more, but at the end of the day....
It's really only a game.

So as we brace for one of our countries most hallowed events, remember today that in the middle of the game are real people, with real issues, who long to connect to other real people living in much the same way. Sure we wear different colors on a day like today, but the game is just the game.

Tomorrow we'll begin to forget who won, but maybe we can start a new friendship, a new relationship, a new connection we didn't have before.

Our sworn enemies will be our work mates, our classmates, or even our family members, and you can rest assured; our lives will be judged not on who is victorious today, but on how we treat one another tomorrow.

May we be people who enjoy our play, but are keenly aware of the important parts of human-ness that connects us all.

February 01, 2014

Yesterday I had a unique opportunity to speak to Bronxville High School in the center of Bronxville New York. Some of the students put together a profound schedule to discuss issues of Race, Class, Gender, and Sexual Orientation.

The school was divided into several groups, and each group rotated to different speakers all day long. With 50 minutes, I was commissioned to speak on class issues and income inequality around the world.

Most of you who know me understand this is not in the center of my wheelhouse, but I did have the chance to show how income inequality may not be the measure of equality. My class discussed the need to see each person as human no matter where they sit on the economic ladder. So when the group of students, who live in a community with an average household income above $250K a year, learn to see the "Us. vs. Them Narrative" in a human way...it allows us to reduce this public discussion to individual relationship. In any event, I had a great time with lively discussions.

Last night, I was graciously invited to have dinner with one of the keynote speakers. Robert Jensen is a professor from the University of Texas Journalism School. He presented several sessions discussing the need for us to re-evaluate our view of America in light of Race, Gender, and Class. Advocating for a less "white supremacist" America, Dr. Jenson raised some interesting views on who we are, who we want to be, and how we might begin to get there.

As I sat around this small dinner table, my heart was filled with gratefulness. Not many people are willing or able to discuss these harsh issues that invade our most intimate views of the world without just dismissing 'the other.' I found myself disagreeing with most of Dr. Jensen's views; unable to simply ignore the history of living in a culture like America where we have a long way to go concerning Race, Gender and Class issues. But in light of the rest of the world, America is a country willing to wrestle with such hot-button issues.

I'm so thankful for my friends here in New York who are ok to disagree with each other without the threat of diminishing a friendship. Say what you will about the North East, but these folks aren't simply going to just swim in the same culture for the sake of being nice. They're willing to challenge the status quo, ask hard questions, and agree to disagree while hosting with ultimate hospitality.

Thank you to the families who made this event possible. And thanks to Matt Behrens, a Bronxville High School Student willing to talk about the tough issues facing our nation.

January 30, 2014

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

I wonder....

As I look around at my fellow travelers today, "How many people are really experiencing an Abundant Life?"

Tethered to their smart phones, it seems like everybody is busy, but no one is smiling.Watching the television screens like the Zombies on Walking Dead, they seem to be pre-occupied, but no one is really communicating. I sit back and watch people walk by and just think, "Have we got this all wrong?"

We try our best to stay busy as if there's some sort of identity found in the ability to fill up our daily schedule. We push the limits of work now that we have devices that can check our email in real time, connect with our friends on our favorite social media platform, and all the while it seems like life is just passing.

I can't help but ask, "Is this the abundant life Jesus called for?"

The people who seem to have money would naturally fall into the category of those we assume are the most abundant, but they look eerily similar to those who don't have.

The people with power walk briskly down the hallway and we assume they have all they've worked for and achieved. But something inside of me senses the same mundane rat wheel kind of life the others are trolling about on.

And then, I met a man who shines shoes.

He's singing.He's smiling.He's happy to be alive.He's engaging.He's interested in the people who are sitting at his station. He's asking real life questions about where people are going, how long they'll be there, what they think about the up coming superbowl, and what they enjoy.

Before long, I've eavesdropped on a conversation that may be mistaken for two long lost friends catching up with one another in the sacred moment of being human.

So why can't we get this?

Abundant life has little to do with money, power, prestige, fashion, or the self introspective life most of us think is apropriate. This old man shoe shiner has just taught me a lesson. Abundant life is living in the moment with our fellow mankind.

It's exploring and un-earthing the stories of the other.It's celebrating the victories of life together, and mourning the times we can share.Abundance doesn't come out of the idea of separation and self creating...Abundance comes out of the wealth of sharing with one another.

Jesus said, "It's better to give than to receive." And I believe abundance comes out of the wealth attached to giving.

Giving a smile.Giving of time.Giving of care.Giving of whatever need the other has in this moment.

Yes, this is abundance.

The Journey IS the abundance, and the destination is a figment we made up to justify our business.

January 29, 2014

Maybe it's just because I'm focused on music this week, but every now and then I LOVE BRAGGING on students who are making a difference in the world. Today, I just want to brag a bit on my friends with Colony House. This band has a unique sound and some SUPER CREATIVE ways of telling stories. Check out this video, and then pop over to Their FaceBook Page. Like em, and find out what all is new in the world of COLONY HOUSE. These guys are SUPER INCREDIBLE!!

January 28, 2014

I've seen much written about the Grammy Awards this year online. I've watched as those who think the world is going to hell in a hand basket chime in to use music's biggest night as proof we're all in trouble. Whether it's the talk about the emphasis on marriage equality, the risque dresses leaving little to the imagination, or the Daft Punk helmets, most of the articles I've read leave me scratching my head wondering how to review such an event.

I must admit, I was on an airplane from Dallas to Durango Colorado when the show began, so I've had to do a little catch up on the performances and try to understand what all the buzz is really about. I watched Beyonce dance provocatively around a stool while her husband JZ chimed in with their duet. I immediately cruised over to twitter to see what my "faith" tribe would say.

"I don't get it. They just want to deal with the human problem of angst on the world's stage." one tweeter posted.

"That guy's hat looks like Yogi Bear" another chimmed in.

"What's with the Daft Punk helmets. Just goes to show you how weird music is." I read from another person I follow.

Comment after comment seemed to bring up the negative parts of the Grammy awards and how un-christian they were, but none I read tried to understand the "whys" of the event.

Look, every since I started watching the Grammy's it's been strange. Madonna pranced around in a wedding dress to "Like a Virgin," Brittney Spears then Kissed Madonna on the stage in front of the world at one show, and Lady Gaga dressed up in a slab of prime rib. It's always been a little strange for the average viewer.

But for some reason, during the show this year, I felt as though there was a considerable amount of surprise. It's almost as though some were using their platform on twitter to continue propagating the idea of fear as the world spins around them. And believe me, I know fear drives people.

It drives people to a website for safety and security.It drives people to a message of hope in the face of what they don't understand.It can drive people into an "US" -those who mock artists- against a "THEM" -the artists themselves- mentality that rallies a group of people against one another.

And as I sat back and thought about what was going on I couldn't help myself from wondering, "Where are the people who are willing to LOVE others in spite of the debauchery going on?" Instead of openly mocking someone else who is trying to paint a picture of the pain, the love, the victory, or the celebrity they long for; who is going to help them find the contentment of being human in the face of all the vice?

I'm not interested in the "so and so did this" and did you see "so and so did that," as much as I'm interested in wondering 'How would Jesus Love Here?'

It's easy to sit on the high throne of right and wrong, and convince your followers that purity is your righteous goal, but is that what Jesus would do?

I don't think so.

I think Jesus would sit with artists crying out in pain and listen.I think Jesus would listen to their story, give unrelenting compassion, and see to the heart of the human who longs for right relationship with God and Mankind.I think Jesus would give hope, not falter to the easier road of being an armchair quarterback.I think Jesus would welcome people to the Kingdom of God instead of alienating others creating an Us versus Them narrative.

So my review has little to do with what was done, and more to do with how we respond. If you find artists who are pushing the boundaries of the morality you find in scripture, instead of being the critical voice, maybe it's time to take a voice of understanding.

I'm not writing to condone the behavior of people who have the world's largest stage to perform, but I am asking deeper questions than, "Did you see that?" giving in to the very shock nature I'm being asked to respond to.

May our hearts line up with the God who created all mankind. May we find a voice that can truly care for the other. May we show God's love to a culture crying desperately to know and be known. For when the validation of the creator becomes real, our insecurities fade away like a vapor and we can truly find rhythm in what HE has created us for.

January 25, 2014

The KIVU Gap Year is a one year journey around the world for High School Graduates. Before they go on to the University, KIVU introduces them to 6 different international locations, and gives the students a variety of internships and networking opportunities before they begin their first year at The University.

They study poverty, medical opportunity, education, and disaster relief. They climb Kilimanjaro, stay with host families in several countries, and all the while have a unique picture of how the world spins.

This year we begin our newest module in the country of Jordan. Our friends at Ithraa, a center for relational training, are eager to introduce the Middle East to our students. They'll see the ancient sites, work with locals in various initiatives, stay with local families, and learn some of the most important political conversations driving the Middle East today.

This particular module will elevate The KIVU Gap year among all other Gap Years. The KIVU Gap Year will now introduce American Urban Development, Disaster Relief, African Business Development, Middle East, and Far East Asia to the list of places a student will know well before they go into their own studies.

If you think you might be interested in traveling the world before you go to your freshman year, check out http://www.kivugapyear.com. We'd love to serve you as you take your gap year.

January 20, 2014

I've been in Amman Jordan for the last few days setting up The KIVU Gap Year internship programs.

If you don't know about The KIVU Gap Year, it's a year long program for Highs School graduates to travel the world, work in different cultures, develop a network of friends around the globe, and most importantly; see a REAL worldview out of the classroom.

In any event, Last night I had a chance to sit down with some of our exchange students who have been at KIVU in the summertime. Sami, Rasha, Reem, Luke and I were at the top of a restaurant overlooking Amman, having the conversation of a lifetime.

We talked about Middle East politics among young professionals, we spoke of career paths for these three bright young people, and we ended with a deep question, "How is God moving in your life?"

After sharing our spiritual growth, it was evident we shared more than just a meal. These three come from different backgrounds, dedicated to their own version of faith, but united under a banner of loving one another.

We didn't have to get into theology differences.
We didn't have to dive into the reasons one is "right" over the other.
We were just 5 friends hanging in out in a place talking about life in the most intimate way. Sharing life together is what humanity is all about.

You know, there are some evenings the world just spins the right direction, and you can catch a small glimpse of what heaving is supposed to look like.

After getting back to our hotel, I was convinced, this is it. Sharing life with our Jordanian friends is about as close to heaven as I can even imagine here on earth.

Before we end our time here and head back to America, it's off to another friend's place of worship. It's gonna be awesome!! Don't miss out, I'm sure God will show up up somehow, and I'll continue the story this evening.

January 18, 2014

Today I just want to write something profound but close to home. In my continued attitude of gratefulness, I want to tell the world, I'm thankful for my kids. From 15 years old down to six, These five fill my life with incredible adventure.

Whether we're preparing for the latest military training class, playing video games in the living room, snowboarding in Colorado, surfing in Mexico, or just hanging out together; I'm thankful for the Braner Party of 7. You guys are awesome!!

First, working to secure our KIVU Gap Year destinations in Jordan, and spending time with a dear friend in the region has been incredible. I'm learning so much, it can't really be culled in a blog post, but for now....

I'm learning from people in the Middle East who are recognizing the importance of caring for people intentionally. They've long given up merely loving people as they try desperately to find common threads of existence. Now, there are people who are intentionally trying to develop relational needs, emotional needs, and critical care methods to begin healing the great divide plaguing their communities.

As I sit and listen to Christians giving to Jews, and Jews giving to Muslims, and Muslims giving to Christians all around; there's a sense that our world back home is in need of learning how to love intentionally. This region is giving me a Masters Degree course on how to Love people.

We try our best to intuitively give to those around us, but my constant personal battle is learning how to make it count. The questions I'm wrestling with is, "How do I meet the relational needs of those around me? AND Am I meeting them where they need to be met?"

Last night I had a conversation with a Middle Eastern Christian Man who helped me see a new principle. "If you give your wife a gift, that's step one. But if you give her something she doesn't want or desire, then you may be inviting more pain into your relationship. You may give her a gift, but if it's the wrong gift she may notice you don't really know her at all. So when she decides to voice an opinion 'Thank you' but disregards the gift with a less than excited response, my natural reaction is 'I TRIED for goodness sake.' But in relationships 'I TRIED' isn't good enough. 'I TRIED' is sloppy. 'I TRIED' is second best. Knowing someone intimately should produce a gift that they know you took time to think about and meet their needs."

I thought about how many times I've blown this in my own family. Coming right off Christmas, I wonder how many of you have blown this principle. We just bought an insane amount of gifts, but for what? So we can say 'Look what I bought you. I'm a good person?' We spent an inordinate amount of resources to check the box of Christmas gifts because somehow we believe it's our duty, not our deep desire to meet the needs of people around us. What a WASTE!!!

How many of those types of gifts wind up in the trash can by now because they had no intrinsic meaning tied to the giver. If we were truly concerned about the people we gave our presents to, we would have known exactly the right gift to fill their heart with joy. And isn't that what Christmas is all about anyway? Giving gifts to give gifts is almost like walking outside on a nice day and saying, "Hey, it's a nice day out." Everyone knows it's a nice day. But if we truly took time to feel the sunshine on our skin, take a deep breath from the cool crisp air, and allow the nature around us to take our minds to a wonderful place of creation; we could say "Hey it's a nice day out" and deep within our soul be grateful for what a truly beautiful life we have.

Everyone likes to be given things, but the right gift is a wonderful step towards intentionally caring about those around us. It begins to form bonds of trust when people sense a deep emotional connection to the gifts we give. Then and only then will the giver be as grateful as the recipient.

I asked my friend, "So how do you know what the right gift is for my wife?"
"Have you asked her?" He said with a simplicity that would profoundly blow my proverbial brain out of my head.
"Well, there's that..." I responded.

January 17, 2014

Today I met a man born in Qatar. He is a Palestinian Christian whose family was moved out of Israel in 1948. His grandfather set up shop in Qatar, and his father decided to move the family to Niger when he was young. (talk about multi-cultural)

While living in Niger, His father was going to work one day and saw a man slumped over on the side of the road. He rushed his car to the side of the road and drove to the hospital as fast as he could. The man was in minutes of passing away of some sort of heart attack or something. So as is custom in Niger, He paid the emergency room bill to get the man admitted, and continued to check up on him until he was well enough to talk.

One day he was visiting the ER and the sick man was alert and well. He asked him, "Is there anyone I can call? Your family? Your friends? I need to let them know you are ok."

The man responded, "Call the Israeli embassy."
The father shook his head in disbelief. "Who??"
"Please call the Israeli embassy." the man in the hospital bed asked politely.

The father called the Israeli embassy in Niger, and come to find out the man in need, was actually working as a diplomat in the Israeli embassy.

Talk about a strange course of events!! Here a Palestinian Christian unknowingly helped an Israeli diplomat from dying in the middle of a lonely African Road.

He could have justified his day and just kept on driving by.
He could have gone deep into the well of pain and hurt the man's heritage caused his own.
He might have even wished this man to die, but instead; he reached out to save his life.

My friend continued the story for almost thirty minutes, full of unbelieving details. But at the heart of the story the Israeli diplomat kept asking the man why he helped. And the father replied, "Because Jesus asked me to love my neighbor..."

CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?

After his family is unable to return to certain parts of their homeland, he reaches out to help the very man who had the power to let him back in. And after saving the man's life, they formed a bond of friendship exchanging meals with their families, playing with their kids, and even allowing them to return to Israel to set up a new life in their previous homeland.

After nearly a decade, the man called the Father and told him he was in the late stage of cancer. "I just wanted to call you and tell you how meaningful our relationship has been, and because of Jesus, I'm here to be grateful to you for your kindness."

I nearly started crying at the dinner table tonight. I've never heard a story with such compassion and full of love where two people who come from the most distant of backgrounds could share life with such love and care.

So on this night, sitting here finishing up our work in the Holy Land, I'm moved to remind my friends, To Love God is To Love Our Neighbor, no matter who they are. And to experience the great reconciliation we all need to know, He calls us to even love our enemy. Jesus called us to show love and compassion in every circumstance, and TONIGHT, I'm more committed to that concept than ever.

Here in the Holy Land it takes shape when I smile at my Palestinian friends, break bread with my Israeli friends, and spend time with my Muslim friends. Loving People because they live life, and share the same air we both breathe on this planet, seems to be a monumental force in the face of all our fears, especially our fears of "the other."

I've had an incredible evening and my heart is full of hope even in one of the most hopeless places on earth.

Well, January first come and went, and Marijuana in Colorado is Legal. I can now boast of being from the state who is on the cutting edge of pharmaceutical legalization. For the last hundred years, the United States government has classified Marijuana in the same group with crack, cocaine, meth, and heroine. But today, you can turn on the news and every time the State is mentioned someone is lighting up a doobie.

I've heard all sides of the case. Several friends have argued....

"It's healthier than alcohol.""Our prisons are filled with lethargic pot heads wasting tax payer money.""If we tax it, our states can climb out of the recession and give to education, roads, and state employees." "There are medicinal effects we can all use to curb major neurological diseases.""Nobody beats their wife after smoking pot...."

As convincing as many of these arguments may be, for parents out there let me assure you, Pot is this generations epidemic.

For years I've been researching in the hallways of America's high schools, and weed is everywhere. Christian Schools, Public Schools, and Charter Schools; all have similar stats of students who find marijuana a recreational get away. The notion that weed was something only for loosers has faded into history, and now weed is on the mind of most high schools students. Widely accepted today, it's just another thing.

So why should parent's be worried?

1.) Today's Marijuana is more potent than any other time in history.

According to a recent CNN report today's weed compared to that of the 1970's is astonishing. In 1972 the THC content of marijuana on the street was around 3%. THC is the substance in marijuana that gives the user the high they long for. Today's Marijuana's THC has soared to over 13% sometimes reaching the most potent level of 25%. All this to say, the level of dangerous substances in today's weed is overwhelmingly dangerous.

In the delicate time of teen brain development, Marijuana causes several brain functions to re-direct their natural function. Advocates of legalization claim the mutations will level off in adult life, but few studies show the comparison working in this way.

The more compelling studies show the impact of Marijuana on the speedy synapse connections happening post puberty, and show direct re-connecting at one of the most vital times in brain development.

It's not as impotent as we think.

2.) Smoke in the Lungs is Never a Good Idea

After the long debate on cigarettes and tobacco, we know the little air pockets in our lungs are extremely sensitive to air quality. I interviewed an M.D. friend of mine who works in the Oncology Wing of a local Hospital. He made it very clear, "When we introduce foreign substances in our lungs, the chances of lung cancer rise significantly."

We spend so much time worrying about pollution in the air, why would we introduce chemicals to those air pockets transferring Oxygen to our vital organs.

We all know the intense effort we put into helping our students understand the behavior in a civil society, but few of us understand the emotional anxiety our students are forced to deal with when Marijuana becomes a staple of emotional escapism.

And for those who are advocates the media is running wild with reasons why legal weed should be accepted. Even recently Sanjay Gupta did an hour expose on why it might be ok for Marijuana to be accepted in our medical communities. The Special is simply titled, WEED.

From a twenty year career in youth work, I must stand on the right side of history here. I'm concerned for the health and wellness of our students as they navigate through intense biological changes. I believe strongly that marijuana does little to help our kids become well functioning adults.

So Parents: Be vigilant to know what's going on in your teenager's life. Don't be a lazy parent who justifies the lack of honest discussion and potential discipline for the good of your kids. Believe me, the number of students smoking weed today would surprise you, and it might not be that far from your home.

January 15, 2014

For the last few months I've been working on my own spiritual disciplines. Fasting, Giving, Worship, Solitude, and mainly PRAYER.

If I was honest, my prayer life to date was pretty much like this....

"God bless this food..."

"God help so and so with their problem..."

"God bless me and my family...."

"God protect me..."

And something just didn't feel right.

Every time I approached the throne room of God I felt like I was rubbing a lamp waiting on a Genie to come out. It seemed like three wishes were more important then my own understanding of how God is working on the planet.

I wasn't interested in being with God. I was interested in calling on God to do something for me.

Why do we always fall into this trap?

Jesus certainly didn't spend time asking God to give Him. It seems like most of the time Jesus praid it was centered on being with God, not asking of Him.

So of late, I've been working on contemplative prayer.

It really starts with just sitting in a quiet place without an agenda. I usually find a new lesson from Jesus, mostly I focus on Matthew 5.6.or 7.I close my eyes...And I wait.

My mind starts spinning with all the stuff I have to do. I think about who I need to call.I think about the list I need to complete.Usually I find my mind wants to lead me to fear, anger, hurt, betrayal, anything to get me out of the moment. And then something happens.

I keep thinking about what Jesus tries to communicate when He revealed the Kingdom of God on the planet, and I start thinking how I can be more like Him.Sometimes I sense a mission of clarity.Sometimes I just sit and think about all the way people might have interpreted Him.I don't have an agenda.I don't try and force something.I don't bring my list to God.I just wait for Him.

If I'm being honest, I can tell you it doesn't happen every time.I don't have any SUPER REVELATIONS every time I get quiet.But one thing is sure...

The time I spend with God sets my mind on something bigger than my daily struggle. I've found my day to be so much more calm.My responses to others full of joy.And my perspective has totally changed.

I guess I'm writing this because it took me 30 years to figure out I was focused on the wrong parts of prayer, and I believe I'm just starting to figure out what I'm doing. Hopefully, you can learn from my mistakes, and start spending contemplative time with God.

One of my friends told me last week, "Of all the great preachers in history, at the end of their lives, none of them bragged on building more buildings, or seeing more people. When asked what they would have done different, without exception they all say 'I wished I spent more time with God.'"

I want to do that.

I want to spend more time with God.

So I let the contemplative life continue, and I'll give you updates when I have more epiphonal moments.

January 14, 2014

Last week I was in the middle of writing this post, when I got a text message to go read www.branerpartyof7.blogspot.com. Sure enough, she beat me to the punch. She wrote an awesome heart felt story of how her love for me was the light of her world. She explained how marriage is hard sometimes, and you have to work, but that she was having a great season.

As many of you husbands know, that's a GOOD DAY!! So often when someone asks, "How's your marriage going?" I answer with "Well, GREAT...I think" and then I look sheepishly over at Jamie Jo to confirm or deny my answer, and she usually says something like, "Well...we're working on it." HA!!!

Isn't that just like a man!! Just when we think we've got it all worked out, our ladies bring us back to reality and show us ways we can work on our marriage.

But when I read Jamie Jo's tribute last week, I almost started crying right there in the parking lot of Barnes and Noble. I felt so encouraged that my favorite person on the planet also thought I was her favorite person.

I was thrilled to know she likes to just hang out with me as much as I like to hang out with her.

For the last few months, we've found this really cool groove where it's just fun to be together, laugh a lot, talk, and re-kindle our friendship that marriage was founded on.

It's just tough to keep that friendship thing going in the midst of several businesses, five kids, a heavy travel season, and trying to be the maintenance guy of our house. And in the middle of all the chaos, My lady and I are doing AWESOME!!

Sure, it could change tomorrow, right? After all, that's life. Today is good, but tomorrow may bring us a storm that we'll have to renew our vigor to endure. But today, I'm thankful for you Jamie Jo. You're a great wife, an incredible mom, you get more done than anyone I know, and you still manage to sit down and write a SUPER encouraging blog post.

January 13, 2014

I have to admit before I begin, I read the book before I saw the movie.

Last Friday, I took a couple of friends to see the much anticipated Lone Survivor. The movie is an adaptation of Marcus Luttrell's book about four Navy SEALS working to survive in the Mountains of Afghanistan as a Taliban army was hot on their trail.

The first half of the book takes great detail to outline what it means to train for the Navy Seals. One of America's elite special forces operation groups is shroud in intrigue. The way those guys train make most of us feel like the biggest wimps on the planet. Over and over they push their bodies, minds, and spirits to become warriors able to protect America in any circumstance. It's absolutely riveting.

The second half of the book focuses on the battle of "Murphy's Ridge" as Luttrell names it for his best muddy Mike Murphy. I won't spoil it for you, other than the book is titled LONE SURVIVOR and Luttrell is the author. So there's that!!

After the movie was over, my three friends sat in the theater until the end of the credits, just sitting in silence. Of course I don't know what they were thinking, but I was keenly focused on two elements of this amazing tale.

1.) America's Soldiers are INCREDIBLEThe way the SEALS have given their lives to serve the country is the most noble of life choices. Those guys go in places I wouldn't even dream to go, mainly because I'd probably ball up in a fetal position and cry like a baby. They take punishment like nobody else on the planet, and they keep going with a drive found deep within. (Even in the legendary training, the attrition rate of elite soldiers quitting before they finish is near 60%)

2.) War is AwfulI know war has been going on since the beginning of mankind, but I just sat and watched sacrifice after sacrifice on both sides of the rifle. People were willing to die over and over, and for what?

Sure, evil is on the planet, and I believe evil has to be stopped especially when innocent people are unable to protect themselves. But I watched as hundreds of Taliban were willing to give their lives to a cause, and the SEALS the same.

I wonder if when Jesus said, "You've heard it say to love your neighbor...but I say to you to love your enemy" He was trying to get rid of this awful practice of killing. I thought about the futures of those young men dying on the side of a mountain and wondered:

They'll never see their family again.They'll never see their kids grow up.They'll never have the chance to hang with their buddies.They'll never know...well...anything for the future.

ON BOTH SIDES

And all for what?

My hope is, on the American side, we are trying to protect and preserve the innocent people in the villages who don't have the trained forces to take care of themselves. I hope we are truly routing out the terrorists who pose a threat to the world.

And when I think about the Taliban, I wonder, "Is it really worth it?" In the name of a religious or cultural norm, they give their very lives to this evil practice of killing, raping, murdering, and stealing from their own countrymen.

One of Luttrell's biggest points is the way America keeps a watch over the Rules of Engagement. A notion I find almost absurd. How in the world are you supposed to fight IN A WAR with rules? There are no rules. People are dying right and left, and if we are going to send our boys to war, we need to let them do their job. (Although I'd prefer we find another way to solve these complicated issues.)

All in all, I recommend you go see Lone Survivor. Know before you go, there's a TON of "F-Bombs." The violence is CRAZY, as you watch every bullet enter and exit almost everyone who dies of a gunshot wound. But the more interesting part of the movie is the way it makes you think about war, about America, about people in Afghanistan, and ultimately the deep roots of brotherhood on both sides of this fight.

Redemption is a tough value to see in the midst of war. There are very rarely clear black and white sides. If you're like me, you'll be sitting in that theater chair for a while wondering, What did I just witness?

January 11, 2014

Most of you know I travel quite a bit to teach students all over the world. This week, I've been in West Texas at a school in Amarillo. San Jacinto Christian Academy is one of only a handful of Christian Schools in the Panhandle of Texas still left after the Recession.

It's tough economically to run a private school when you're trying to compete with a well healed town of people who also serve at the Public Schools. Amarillo is still a town of 200K people who live a quiet, small town like lifestyle, and it's evident from the moment you meet your first Amarillo Texan.

Everyone I met was smiling, grateful for the time I spent with them. And I too, felt like being grateful they would have me teach their teenagers. If you've read any of my articles in the last month, you'll know I'm on a new trek for finding gratefulness in my life and the lives of others. Amarillo was a GREAT place to be grateful.

First, I'm grateful for the Fairley family. Chase, Christian, and Caroline were gracious hosts. Mr. and Mrs. Fairley are always ready to serve at anything I needed, and were the epitome of Texas hospitality.

Secondly, I'm grateful for San Jacinto Christian Academy. Their heart to help students navigate academics while teaching a solid spiritual development is a breath of refreshing air. I grew up in a small Christian School in Arkansas, and I know how hard it is to rally administrators, teachers, and students. Thanks to Mark, Nick, Hollie, and the crew at San Jac who are making a difference in the lives of hundreds of kids.

And last, but certainly not least, I'm grateful for the student body at San Jacinto. They were incredible listeners, asked interesting questions, and were ready to wrestle different ideas they needed to wrestle with. I'm thankful for the group of students who are willing to examine their spiritual formation in all honesty, not hiding behind a Christian Sub Culture to mask the humanity we all are dealing with. Thank you all for a wonderful week.

OH...and a BIG THANKS to my friends in Panhandle Texas. Angela, Matt, and Mike you guys are an inspiration as you lead the RIVER church there. Thanks for having me up to hang with your students. It was a joy!! Can't wait to do it again.

For today, I'm heading back to the Braner Party of 7 for a couple of days of relaxing, and then on the road again next week for another inspiring adventure.

December 31, 2013

The New Year is a remarkable time of renewal in our culture. We celebrate the opportunity to forget what is behind and move on to what is in front of us. New Year's Resolutions ring in the new year, as we all desire a fresh start, a new beginning, a forgiving of sorts that let us get closer to the people we really want to be.

It's almost like we have a new starting line in life's long marathon. We can point to a definitive period of time and say, "That's the Beginning."

That's when I decided to....

Loose a little weight
Begin to work on my negative attitude
Transform my work habits
Take control of my financial situation
Set a goal to achieve something special
Create an environment of friendship around me
Serve someone else
Be productive when it comes to family
Forgive someone
Forgive myself
Be attentive to spiritual things

Or whatever you think brings you closer to the person you want to be.

I can remember this New Year's tradition when I was growing up in my family, and I have to be honest, I didn't take it very serious. I knew in a few short days or weeks I'd forget my resolution, get tired of working so hard for the goal I set on January first, or just think it unrelatable.

But now, I take this tradition very serious. I set goals, write them out, and work diligently to take every year as a new start.

This year I plan on continuing...
My prayer discipline I've devoted to in 2013, working to increase the amount of time I spend in deep contemplative prayer

My physical challenge. I've lost nearly 15 pounds and I'm on the way to being in the best shape of my life.

My family time, deepening my relationship with my wife and kids.

My work development. Making KIVU a destination for teenagers around the globe, writing compelling works of literature, and working with my friends around the world to develop conversations that help shape the way the world leaders think about faith.

So as we approach this new day tradition, who do you want to be?

I'm not advocating you can simply wash the whole slate clean and re-start, but maybe there are a few things in your life you'd like to work on this year. The New Year gives you the opportunity to have a starting line right there for all to see.

Who do you want to be in 2014? Let's take each other serious and challenge our community to sharpen one another as the year rolls along.

December 29, 2013

Much has been written on the philosophy of happiness. Let's be honest, if we had the chance to be happy versus not, we'll all choose the former instead of the later. So what is it? What's the ticket? How in the world can we rally around happiness instead of the air of fear which is the plague of our world right now?

I'm quick to point out, I don't know much, but my life is in constant transition to becoming. I want to be someone more happy.I want to be known for joy, instead of what I stand up against.I want people to know me for what I'm for, instead of all the things I disagree with.So, how do I get there?

For the last few months, I've been intentionally working on being grateful. It all started in a ramp up to Thanksgiving Holiday 2013. I felt like I needed an attitude adjustment. So much of the world is focused on the negative, but how many of us are willing to step out on a limb in honesty and say, "I'm grateful for _________"

My religious tradition asks me to "... demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5)

For some, that means to battle all the time against.But I'm reading this a different way today.

Every morning I wake up and spend time thinking "I'm grateful for....

The air I breathe.The fact I'm living on planet earth. (just think about trying to live on a different planet in the unforgiving universe.)The family who loves me unconditionally.The fact I have a job.The notion I can think and reason on my own

I'm grateful for great friendsFor unbelievable experiencesFor lifeFor the health I haveFor the people who call me friendsFor the beauty of living in this point in history

And you know what?

This discipline has proved to set my thoughts on things that are important instead of giving any credence to negativity.

It may sound a little strange, but I've got to tell you, living in the world of gratefulness has given me so many more positive days than negative ones.

I wonder if 2014 would be marked by people who vigilantly pursued gratefulness instead of entitlement.

Try it.You'll be surprised how it changes your mindset from looking for all the wrong things about the world, and imposes a new normal in your world. Just try it for a week and see what happens. Take captive every thought that comes in your mind and fight that one. Own it. Challenge it. Make it your slave, instead of the opposite.

December 28, 2013

Working with Teenagers and College students sharpens my spiritual development. They have the ability to smell a fake in less than 2.5 seconds, and let me assure you, there's not a lot of forgiveness. Once they taste a morsel of disingenuous relationship, they're ready to move on to something/someone else who can relay a life of truth. Honesty in it's purest form, you have to live what you say, or you don't stand a chance talking to this generation.

Really, this is the reason why I love working with young people. For all the insecurities, all the misunderstanding, and all the silly youth group stuff, the brutal way they challenge me to live a life full of the gospel is inspiring. It moves me to be on my game, work diligently to find ways they can understand spiritual development, and humbly admit those times when my own spiritual life fails me.

If I've learned anything over the last 15 years working with young adults it's this: They don't care how much you know, how many degrees you have, or even how much you can teach them.

What they really care about is how much you care for them. They're longing for someone to just say, "you're gonna be alright" and then (and only then) do I recognize the opportunity to help coach and train spiritual development.

If you don't care for them, you never have an opportunity to share more compelling spiritual concepts.

Strange thing is, adults aren't any different.

No matter what phase of life we're in, we all want to look out into the wide wide world and see someone who is willing to say 'I care about you' without any notion a patronization. I'm talking about REALLY caring for people.

Don't tell me it's going to be ok if it's not.Don't tell me God cares for me if I don't realize it in my own life.Don't give me your charity, I'm a person not a spiritual project.

I've found, If you want to preach from the pulpit without any concern for them as human, you might as well be preaching to the tree out in the front yard. Nobody wants to hear someone piously tell them how RIGHT they are and how WRONG someone else is. All be it true there are certainly right and wrong principles, in the case of showing people God's truth, there's no paradigm to embrace a lustful need to be right.

You have to work with people where they are, not where they need to be. You can't enter a friendship with someone as you stand on the throne of pride.Some us us need to back up and re-examined the way we live our own lives in the public sphere. Maybe we need not "STAND UP" for what is right, as much as we take a long look at someone's life that needs to understand God's love.

Sure it feels good to win a fight.It makes us all think we're on the right train when the world spins our way.But remember, the world isn't supposed to spin our way. The revolution of redemption isn't about walking a road where people like you, accept you, or give you the rights you feel like you deserve. There's just no place for that in God's Kingdom.

In God's Kingdom we have to be very careful to know, "For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--comes not from the Father but from the world." (1 John 2:16)

Even when you're fighting for something that's seemingly 'right,' sometimes it's not the destination that is important but the journey it takes to get you there.

Be careful to think about those around you and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

December 12, 2013

Affluenza is now an official condition that could get you off a crime. It's not a cold. It's not the flu. It's not body aches or even head aches. Affluenza is actually the condition where your parents give you too much stuff, so you can't be held responsible for your actions. Affluenza, the new way rich people skirt the system.

Yesterday in Ft. Worth Texas, Ethan Couch was given a 10 year probation sentence for the killing of 4 innocent people on the side of the road. 25 weeks ago, Ethan (16) hopped in his truck with a blood alcohol level of 2.14, which is three times the legal limit of alcohol allowed in Texas. He plowed through a 40 MPH zone going 70 MPH, and slammed his truck into a group of people on the side of the road. Brian Jennings, 43-year-old Burleson youth minister; Breanna Mitchell of Lillian, 24; Shelby Boyles, 21, and her 52-year-old mother, Hollie Boyles were taken instantly from the earth because a 16 year old kid was having fun with some friends.

(By The Way, the friend riding in the truck is now paralyzed and has filed a Civil Suit against Ethan, so his 'friends' seem to be leaving in droves)

So Ethan broke the law by drinking under age.He was driving recklessHe was the guilty party at the scene of the accidentAnd he happened to be accused of manslaughter as he took away the life of four other people.

You'd think this was a slam dunk case, but BOOM, in comes Mom and Dad. Did I mention they were wealthy? Oh yea, nothing like a wealthy set of parents who don't have any boundaries for their son to swoop in to the rescue today. As part of the sentence Ethan will go to a rehab facility to cost $450K a year. WHAT!! WHAT!!!

Yep, you read it right. Half a Million dollars a year will get this kid out of prison and in rehab. REALLY?

Even in the face of the American Justice System, there are plays behind the scenes that surely the most corrupt governments in the world would call foul. I'm amazed!! I can't Believe it!! How in the world could this happen? This kid needs to face the justice system and go away for life. You can't even get justice for killing these days? We need JUSTICE for those people. And Ethan just gets to walk away?? Affluenza?? Really? What about the Poorfluenza folks who suffer from generational poverty? Will they be able to get away with crime now because they didn't have enough money?

WHAT A JOKE!!

I was fuming when I heard this, and then I stopped.......

I'm not the judge.I'm not the families effected.I'm not in the middle of this.I don't know Ethan.I don't know the situation other than what the news reported.I don't know ANYTHING.

All I know is my sense of justice reared its ugly head this morning, and I don't have any clue about this situation. I allowed my day to start this morning with high blood pressure, a sense of injustice, and anger towards this young man who I've never met.

And then I started to pray...

"God, please don't let my heart be calloused by my own sense of right and wrong. Help me to live in a world to see what the big picture plan might be. Help me not to judge lest I be judged, and I'm thankful you didn't make me the judge. Be with Ethan today as he faces a new world. Be with Ethan's family and help them see how to best help their son. Be with those who lost loved ones. There's no way we can bring them back, and the healing process must be incredible. God, please help them with your compassion and your grace. This world is not right. These situations aren't right. Thank you for being a God who sees this, is interested in it, and wants to show the world how you have come to reconcile all things to yourself. Take my bitter heart, and make it new."

I won't let this story own me. I choose today to live in the spirit God gave me to live in peace with all men.

December 11, 2013

This morning I opened my daily news cruise articles and saw something unimaginable only a few short years ago. Gracing the Front Cover of TIME Magazine's person of the year was the new Pope of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis.

Who in their right mind would have guessed the Catholic Church would ever represent such a significant number of people in popular culture again? After all, the last two decades of sex scandals, questionable financial deals, and a less than laser focus on where the world was spinning, it seemed as though the Catholic Church was headed for a new Dark Ages. And now, out of the ashes of a dimly lit future arises a new hero.

Not being part of the Catholic tradition, I must admit my own ignorance to the doctrines, worship styles, and various nuances that grace any religious tradition. But having several Catholic members of my staff at KIVU over the years, I've learned much about what we have in Common.

To serve the Poor
To stand up for the rights of those who can't speak for themselves
The immutable sound of confession that should grace the hallways of every stable religious tradition
To recognize the grandeur of God as the Creator of all things
To make sure our lives are in line with the teachings of the Bible

These make us more similar than my protestant fathers would like to admit. They tend to feel the need to distance themselves from the Catholic Church, and who could blame them. If you separate yourself from an organization that's been in business for 1500 years, you pretty well need to come up with good reasons why you're not a part of them any more. I get it.

But lately it seems the Catholic Church unable to crawl out of the darkness plaguing their every day existance. Even thought we had much in common, it was hard to take serious a group seemingly endorsing pedophilia, creature comforts in excess, and a hard line theology that doesn't allow for many to identify themselves.

And then came Pope Francis.

The media was unsure how this Argentinian would handle the pressure of being the most visible Christian religious figure in the world. There were many who questioned his ability to manage the vast Catholic Global Empire. And then...he just came and walked like Jesus.

In no way can you say Pope Francis is perfect, but as Jesus pointed out, "A Good Tree Bares Good Fruit, and a Bad Tree Bares Bad Fruit." We will know who those disciples are by the works of their lives to bare good fruit. And Pope Francis Bears Good Fruit.

He blesses anyone regardless of their religious tradition.
He elevates Women as important parts of the church.
He serves the poor in the middle of the night when Roman citizens have reported them seeing Francis dressed in normal priestly attire in opposition to the gawdy Pope uniform.
His message is to care for the poor, just like Jesus.
He refuses the creature comforts afforded to many Popes in the past, foregoing the Pope slippers because they cost too much, insisting he pay for his own hotel and apartment stays, and calling fellow high level priests into line when excess living arrangements take them away from the heart of the church's message.

Again, no man is perfect, and I'm sure Pope Francis has many flaws, but part of being a leader is modeling the message you come to preach. So many people are tired of Christians who just talk about helping the poor. The poor are sick of Christians who come to show empathy one or two days a year at the local food bank. The world is sick of CINO Christians. "Christians in Name Only" We long for people to show us the real hope of the gospel. We need to see people can live this message we hold dear to our hearts.

And today, unexpectedly, we see a visible leader seemingly trying to live the walk Jesus called us to live, elevated to one of the most intriguing honors the world media gives out each year.

Thank you TIME Magazine for not letting secularism get in the way of your decision making.
Thank you Pope Francis for giving us a model of waking like Jesus walked.
Thank you to the God of heaven for beginning to redeem the awful stories of the Catholic Church over the last few decades.

December 10, 2013

I wrote a book last year called ALONE: Finding Connection in a Lonely World. You may think you have a 'together' like community, but this video shows why my book ALONE is necessary for this generation. Check this out.

December 09, 2013

Everytime I see a headline that says there's a "War On Christmas" I cringe a bit.

For war to take place, there has to be two sides of the battle willing to sacrifice at great lengths to make sure their ideology wins out. Right?

I mean think about it.

Here in American we study The Revolutionary War = British Empire vs. Colonial IndependenceWorld War I = Allied forces verses Axis ForcesWorld War II = same as aboveThe Korean Conflict = Democracy versus CommunismThe Vietnam War = Democracy versus CommunismThe Gulf War = Iraq versus those in the world who would hold to a value of freedomThe Iraq War = The World against Weapons of Mass Destruction (at least some history books would write it that way)The Afghan War = America versus Terror Ideology

Please forgive me if the narrative of each war doesn't hold true to your particular perspective. The reason for this list was merely to show the way we compartmentalize the "right" versus the "wrong" and draw lines in the sand. But a reality exists inside of each conflict. Often we see clearly and classify wars in terms of black and white, and the reality is there are many ways to see the paradigm of the other.

For example, when I hear my southern friends call the Civil War the "War of Northern Aggression" I cringe. Of course it's the war against slavery and the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement, but many don't see it that way. They've chosen to frame the war inside of the "right" they live in.

So when I hear this "War On Christmas" stick its head out from the cave it's been hiding for 11 months previous, EVERY SINGLE YEAR, I moan with my own exhaustion. I wonder, from what angle are we going to try to fight it. I metaphorically rub my eyes, am reminded the battle cry is ensuing, and look out for "What War?" What lines are being drawn?

How many "War on Christmas" books have emerged from this fake battle?How many people are hitting the malls in the suburbs to make sure their voice is heard?How many times will we have nativity scene sit ins at the local government building to make sure we keep the Baby Jesus in the center of the Christmas season?

I for one find it TOTALLY ironic.

Walking through New York City last week and seeing the absolute debauchery of consumerism happening up and down the streets for MILES, kind of makes you wonder what the real war is all about. Should the lines be drawn to the marketing campaigns as Christmas versus X-mas, or will we draw the real lines of the war?

You see the war shouldn't be about weather or not we can hang a sign up for the Holiday season marketing Christmas. The war should really be about looking at the credit card bills in January on all the useless stuff we squandered while people are hurting in the streets of America today.

The real war shouldn't be to keep the warm cozy picture of Christmas morning alive, but rather; the warriors who want to keep Jesus in Christmas should read about Him. He didn't advocate for bright LED lights to be strung in your front-yard, a yule tide log in the fireplace, and egg nog at your Christmas party. Keeping Jesus in Christmas doesn't mean the images of YOUR reality are supposed to be fought for. No...if you really want to keep Jesus in Christmas, maybe we all should use our energy to understand the message Jesus brought us and be aware of the other people around us.

Maybe the war lines could cease to be drawn under the guise of Marketing Campaigns, and slick slogans to try and stamp a label on the season, and really bring the message of the season to bare.

“... ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)

So if you want to be a part of the real war on Christmas, just look around your community and see who the least of these brothers are. If they don't have something to eat, clothes on their backs, if they are in prison, or they have been excluded and not invited to you world, then there is the real battle we should be fighting. We should be reaching out to those and making sure the message of The REAL Christmas can be heard through the noise of what we've created it to be.

WHO CARES if it says the word "Christmas" on the sign as we fail to see the least of these suffer. The Good News for all mankind has little to do with what gift you unwrap on December 25th, and a whole lot more to the HOPE OF THE WORLD the Kingdom of God is available to ALL MEN.

If you're ready to fight the war, let's join together and FIGHT to make sure we are fighting the real war.

November 26, 2013

It's undeniably difficult to wrap your mind around the mass murder at Sandy Hook. When we try to think of the "why's" it leaves more unanswered questions than we can stomach.

Some reach out and blame his mother.Others try to say it's the gun culture.Some will try and put Lanza in a category of mentally ill.And Others can resign the event away to pure evil.

But no matter what box you try to compartmentalize this awful event, there are a few interesting details emerging in this new 200 Page report that may cause us as a culture to step back and ponder.

One New York Police officer, Harry Houk, was interviewed this morning on CNN's morning show and his disclosure revealed many tell tale signs we all need to be watching for in our own homes.

A Culture of IsolationIn the report, Lanza was said to have orchestrated an environment of privacy. This tension is one I see all over the country when talking to parents. There's a cultural core of privacy we hold dear and often extend that privacy to members of our own home. Lanza covered his windows with black garbage sacks, wouldn't allow his own mother to even enter the room, and basically set up an environment where the boundaries were clear for him to begin a long thoughtful process of his massacre.

As parents, we need to see this as a warning sign rather than just a "teenager" who wants to live in privacy. When students cross the boundary between normal solitude to absolute isolation, we need to step in. Isolation only breeds someone who is able to live in a world apart from the normal. When we get out of touch with real people, real feelings, real emotions; and we create internal perspective, danger is looming.

A culture of ViolenceMany Anti-Gun advocates point to the weapons Lanza used in his massacre, and try to logically say "If only we kept the guns this wouldn't have happened." Certainly there's a surface story that seems easy, but we've got to challenge the logic. Would Lanza have murdered if he didn't have access to the same weapons? We'll never know.

What we do know is the body count of 27 young children in the time of 10 minutes screams of weapons that give someone the ability to achieve this goal of mass murder, but it seems to me not the heart of the issue. The guns only served as the method of the day, and if someone is intent on killing there are many more options. Guns were just his way this time.

A more compelling look at the violence culture would be to see how Lanza trained his mind to think about Murder. The Movies found in his room, still un-named for some reason, have been described as grossly violent. The video games "Call of Duty" and "Grand Theft Auto" were also named as media found in his room.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think video games MAKE anyone murder, but the Criminal Psychiatrist examining the case said, "I wouldn't let my kids play those games, and every parent who has those games in their homes should pile them in the front yard and burn them all."

Not long ago, I had a chance to talk with a Canadian Special forces soldier who told me how they train killers in Canada. He said they used video games to de-synthesize soldiers to the facts they are actually taking someone else's life. The Video game is just a game, and therefore as you train your mind for killing, it gives a bridge effect plausible to think you're actually living in the game. Even if there's a chance it may breed violent behavior, why would anyone take the opportunity?

A Culture of Celebrity Also found in Lanza's room was a spreadsheet of stories articulating mass murders here in America. He seemed to be studying a way to be important on a larger stage. The number 27 was important to Lanza, as he wanted to be counted among the news stories he read about, and he needed to be at the top of the list. Somewhere in his isolated existence, being known for something, even if it was murder, was important.

We CANNOT underestimate this culture we live in. We celebrate violence, we celebrate achievement, and we celebrate significance. Until we have a cultural shift to demonize this behavior instead of using these events as sensational, Lanza is just one of many young men who are training in our backyards right now.

So ultimately Lanza is responsible for the shootings at Sandy Hook, but we all need to take a long look at the fertile culture we are creating. There's no way we can say "it was the video games" or "it was the movies" or even "it was his parents." But if we take the lessons we learn from this particular event, we might be able to live a bit longer with our kindergarten kids who will be the subject of future would be celebrities.

November 25, 2013

Box offices around the country were on fire the new Hunger Games installment. It seems like the whole nation was on the edge of their seats waiting to see what might happen to Katniss and Peeta after their sacrificial win to save one another in the first movie.

My teenage kids were so excited to see it, we actually ordered tickets the day before, got to the theater 30 minutes early, and the place was jam packed.

I watched news reports around the country and saw it likened to the Beetles invading America, as one reporter illustrated.

In any event, most of us know just because there is a large swell of people ready to attend an event doesn't necessarily guarantee the quality of the event. I've stood in lines for movies before, only to walk out disappointed that the marketing was better than the content of the film.

But this one was different...

Now, barring my first critique of the whole idea of the Hunger Games; mainly that whoever can sit around and think of a story where kids have to kill kids to keep th government in power is pretty sick, the movie is actually filled with some incredible story lines. For me, just as soon as I thought I had it figured out, the story line took a different direction. (FYI: I didn't read the book first.)

The acting was fare.The landscape of the film was attractive.The special effects met expectations. But it was the movement in the film leading to the next that gave rise to some interesting conversations.

Themes of sacrifice, power, injustice, and the opportunity for those in power to reach out and serve were CLEAR. I suppose the vehicle of war as a story can move us to a place where those topics relate to our lives even in today's culture.

I was most taken back when the group of Victors, those who've actually won the games in the past, began to collaborate for a larger goal. I know we've seen movements throughout history where the underdog takes on a mission higher than what they knew their calling to be. But somehow, this Hunger Games got me thinking about the rise of servant hood in our culture.

We often refer to these movements as Grass Roots, and I'm interested in those movements that tend to give rise for the greater good.

So often we focus on the need of the individual in our culture. We tend to revert to a "What's in this for me" attitude predominately. However; the conversation of the "we" seems more interesting than the conversation of the "me."

When I search the scriptures for an adequate framework of this conversation, it seems to jump off the page when the "we" is in conflict with the "me."

The faith tradition I come from often tries to point out the meaning of the "me" using phrases like 'personal savior,' 'my relationship with God,' or even helps us justify 'my own experience.' Those phrases aren't very adequate when it comes to describing a world where God gave rise to the creation of all of us.

It seems like we would do better to talk in a nomenclature of how God works through the 'we' rather than focusing so intently on the 'me-centric' life we're taught. After all, Loving your Neighbor is about 'the we.' Love your enemy is about 'the we.' Even when you dissect the Ten Commandments and Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, the guidelines have more to do with how 'we' interact with the greater world at large than it does about my own personal actions in the world.

So when the Hunger Games pushed the button of sacrifice and servant hood, I couldn't help but think about how sometimes even in the faith community, we tend to get short sighted and put our individual interests above those of the greater good.

Paul even wrote in Romans 12, "Don't think of yourself more highly than you ought." And it's important to catch the responsibilities we've been given individually, and see them through a paradigm where God has orchestrated those individual things not for the sake of 'me' but rather to put on display how incredibly beautiful the WHOLE world is when He directs us to interact together.

Just some thoughts, and I admit they may be a bit grey, but I'm still formulating how I can think about this ever present conflict of 'me' vs. 'we.'